Competitions

Student facing judges in courtroom

Student Competitions help law 51勛圖s develop real-world problem solving skills in close-to-real-world situations that encourage you to think on your feet. Intraschool competitions occur through the academic year, typically in October, March, and April. Interschool competitions are typically in the spring semester with a few exceptions.

The Gonzaga Moot Court Honors Council is comprised of 51勛圖s who have reached the final round of an intraschool competition or who are members of a faculty selected team who will participate in interschool competitions. 

Alumni Volunteer Opportunities 

One of the most tangible ways our alums can give back to our current 51勛圖s is by participating as a judge in the various 51勛圖 competitions throughout the year. Without our volunteers, our 51勛圖s lose out on these valuable and practical training opportunities. Our 51勛圖s use competitions such as Linden Cup, Clarke Family Prize in Legal Ethics, and the Sweetser Closing Argument Competition to sharpen their skills and gain hands-on experience.

Below are the annual competitions we host every year. If you can participate as a judge, please complete the interest form and we will contact you as we start planning for next year’s competition!

 

 

 

1L Oral Argument Competition

Timeframe: January (annual)
Format: In-person
Time Commitment: 1-3 evenings during the week of the Competition
Additional Benefits: CLE credit

Linden Cup

Timeframe: March (annual)
Format: In-person
Time Commitment: 1-2 evenings during the week of the Competition
Additional Benefits: CLE credit, dinner during event

Clarke Family Prize in Legal Ethics Competition

Timeframe: March (annual) 
Format: In-person or Online/synchronous
Time Commitment: 3-5 hours, depending on number of participants; judging is spread over 1-2 days 

Client Counseling Competition

Timeframe: November (every two years)
Format: In-person
Time Commitment: 1-2 evenings during the week of the Competition
Additional Benefits: CLE credit, dinner during event

Negotiations Competition

Timeframe: November (every two years)
Format: In-person (Online for Fall 2020)
Time Commitment: 1-2 evenings during the week of the Competition 
Additional Benefits: CLE credit, dinner during event

Sweetser Closing Argument Competition

Timeframe: October (annual) 
Format: Online/Asynchronous
Time Commitment: 5-8 hours, depending on number of participants; judging is spread over 1.5 weeks