Gaining Advocacy Experience with Gonzaga Law’s Extensive Moot Court Teams & Advocacy Competitions

As the Spring Semester begins at Gonzaga University School of Law, snow blankets the Spokane campus, while inside the law school, students are preparing for something just as energizing: moot court competition season. Across classrooms and courtrooms, teams are refining arguments, drafting briefs, and getting ready to travel nationwide to represent Gonzaga Law on some of the country’s most competitive advocacy stages.

With ten traveling moot court teams and four in-house advocacy competitions, Gonzaga Law offers significantly more opportunities than most law schools of similar size. That breadth translates into something powerful for students. More access, more courtroom experience, and more ways to turn a passion for advocacy into practice-ready legal skills.

Traveling Moot Court Teams

Gonzaga Law’s traveling teams give students the opportunity to compete nationally while developing specialized advocacy skills.

National Appellate Advocacy Team (NAAC):
Two teams compete annually in the ABA-sponsored National Appellate Advocacy Competition, hosted in a different city each year.

Saul Lefkowitz Trademark Team (SAUL):
With two teams competing each year, SAUL focuses on trademark law and appellate advocacy. Last year, Gonzaga Law’s team captured the National Championship and Best Brief, a point of immense pride for the program.

National Trial Team:
This team simulates the realities of a courtroom, from witness examination to evidentiary arguments. Students benefit from coaching by a local judge, offering real-world insight that strengthens courtroom presence and strategy.

Civil Rights Moot Court Team:
One of Gonzaga Law’s niche offerings, this team allows students to engage in civil rights advocacy, an area of law that few students nationwide have the opportunity to practice during law school.

Patent Drafting and Litigation Moot Court Team:
A newer addition, this team focuses on intellectual property advocacy with support from mentors who work directly in the field. These mentors help students develop both technical understanding and persuasive strategy.

Sports Law Moot Court Team:
Launched last academic year, the team competed at Tulane University during Mardi Gras, combining high-level advocacy with exposure to the growing field of sports law.

Environmental Law Moot Court Team:
Approved in 2026, this newest team reflects Gonzaga Law’s commitment to emerging and impactful areas of legal practice.

Native American Appeals Moot Court Team:
Approved and launching next academic year, this team will give students the opportunity to engage with Native American appellate issues. Applications will open in May 2026.



In-House Advocacy Competitions

In addition to national teams, Gonzaga Law offers four in-house advocacy competitions that allow broad student participation.

Linden Cup:
A Gonzaga Law tradition for more than 90 years, the Linden Cup is open to all students. Final rounds are judged by an esteemed panel that has included justices from state supreme courts.

1L Oral Competition:
Held at the start of the Spring Semester, this competition ensures every first-year student has the opportunity to develop oral advocacy skills early in their legal education.

Clarke Competition:
An annual legal writing and oral advocacy competition focused on professional responsibility issues, created in honor of Professor William H. Clarke.

Sweetser Competition:
Sponsored by Sweetser Law Office, this closing argument competition allows students to showcase trial presentation skills before a jury of practicing trial attorneys. Prizes are awarded to top performers, and the competition is designed to help students hone their oral advocacy skills.

Why Moot Court Matters

Moot court is one of the most effective ways law students prepare for legal practice. Similar to mock trial competitions seen in high school or undergraduate programs, moot court takes advocacy several steps further. Students sharpen skills in legal research, brief writing, oral advocacy, and strategic thinking while competing in realistic, high-pressure environments.

At Gonzaga Law, having more teams means more access. Students can explore appellate advocacy, trial work, civil rights, intellectual property, and emerging areas of law without being limited to a single pathway. The result is a program that meets students where their interests are and helps them grow into confident, capable advocates turning their passions into practice.

2025 Moot Court Accomplishments

🏆 1st National Title
Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition Champions and Best Brief

⚖️ Two Sweet Sixteen Teams
ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition

🔥 Top 3 Finish
Highest National Trial Team ranking in Gonzaga Law history

🎤 #1 in Washington
Voir Dire Competition Champions and Outstanding Advocate Award

🏳️‍🌈 Program History Made
Two teams competed at UCLA’s National Civil Rights and Liberties Competition

At Gonzaga Law, moot court is more than competition. It is a preparation, mentorship, and real advocacy experience. With fourteen teams and growing opportunities, students do not just learn the law. They learn how to stand up and practice it.