Local moot court team impresses at ABA National Advocacy Competition

Lauren Moine, Erik Kandah, and Maxwell Rosen.
(Photo courtesy of Wayne Law)

Wayne State University Law School's moot court team recently showcased their talent at the American Bar Association’s National Appellate Advocacy Competition in Boston, Massachusetts. The team, comprising third-year students Maxwell Rosen, Lauren Moine, and Erik Kandah, who served as the primary brief writer, secured an impressive position among the top eight teams at the regional event held from February 22-24.

During the regional competition, the Wayne Law team exhibited exceptional skill, winning two out of three preliminary rounds and defeating teams from Drake University Law School and the University of Houston Law School. Out of the 32 competing teams in the Boston Regional, Wayne Law stood out. Rosen was recognized for his outstanding performance, receiving the 5th Best Oral Advocate award.

This year's competition attracted 182 teams from 109 ABA-approved law schools nationwide, competing in six regionals. The top four winners from each regional would advance to the final rounds in Philadelphia. With a positive point differential in the preliminary rounds, Wayne Law advanced to the top sixteen, proceeding to the first knockout round where they triumphed over Oklahoma City University School of Law. This advancement led them to the 5th round as one of the top eight teams. Though the team didn't succeed in the 5th round, they took pride in their accomplishment, representing Wayne Law on a national platform.

The ABA’s National Appellate Advocacy Competition is renowned for its emphasis on enhancing oral and written advocacy skills through a realistic appellate advocacy experience. This year's hypothetical appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court revolved around two key issues: whether 28 U.S.C § 1441(b)(2) prevents a forum defendant from removing an action to federal court before being served, and whether the intellectual property exception to internet liability under 47 U.S.C. §230 applies to laws protecting an individual’s name, image, and likeness.

Reflecting on their experience, Moine expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Wayne Law and acknowledged the invaluable support from their coaches, Professor Amy Neville and Monica Batsford, in refining their oral argument and preparing them for success.

Rosen emphasized the significance of the moot court experience, describing it as a pivotal aspect of his legal education. He highlighted how moot court enables competitors to sharpen their research and writing skills in a practical setting, rewarding preparedness and flexibility in articulating complex ideas effectively. Rosen encouraged fellow law students to seize the opportunity to participate in moot court, underscoring its role in fostering the confidence necessary for navigating the intricacies of the legal profession.

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