Program Overview

Program Overview

The Harvey M. Richey Moot Court Competition is a mandatory program for all Baylor Law School students, which takes place at the end of their first year. Many upper-quarter students choose to participate in the competition for a second and even a third time, recognizing the value of the experience.

Program Structure

• Each participating team competes in four preliminary rounds of oral arguments before panels of two student barrister judges.
  • The top teams are awarded the distinction of barrister and move on to a single-elimination tournament.
• The tournament features rounds judged by barristers and faculty or practicing lawyers.
• The competition culminates in a final round before a panel of seven judges, including:
  • Faculty members
  • Practicing lawyers
  • Sitting judges
  • Student winners from the previous competition

Program Benefits

The Harvey M. Richey Moot Court Competition provides Baylor Law students with a unique and immersive experience in appellate advocacy. Unlike most law schools, which typically end their moot court competitions after one or two rounds, this program requires students to professionally argue and sustain a case through seven or eight rounds, giving them a richer and more comprehensive experience.