Sweetser Law Office Closing Argument Competition
February 24th, 2024 - 8:00am - 1:00pm
Prizes:
- First place: $2,500
- Second place: $1,000
- Third place: $500
About the Competition
The Sweetser Closing Argument Competition is an exciting educational event presented by Sweetser Law Office, a Spokane personal injury firm. Prizes are awarded to participants selected by a jury panel of trial attorneys. The purpose of the competition is to provide law students an opportunity to display their trial presentation abilities and hone their oral advocacy skills.
Learn more about Sweetser Law Office.
Competition Rules
Eligibility
The competition is open to all Gonzaga Law Students. Participants must be full- or part-time seeking a J.D. at Gonzaga Law School.
Competition Format
Participants receive a fact pattern and jury instructions one (1) hour before their closing argument. Participants are allotted a maximum 15 minutes for closing argument. Arguments are video-recorded and reviewed by an experienced judges panel. Participants receive a copy of their recorded argument and written feedback from judges.
2021 fact pattern and jury instructions
Entry Submission
Space is limited; please RSVP on Zagtivities.If the maximum participation cap (30) is reached, additional interested students will be placed on a waitlist and 3Ls will be given priority.
Entry Review
The Competition recordings will be distributed to a judging panel after the competition. The panel will review each argument and choose the finalists.
Prizes
The first place winner will receive a prize of $2,500. The second place winner will receive a prize of $1,000. The third place winner will receive a prize of $500.
Reception and Winners
The finalists will be announced at the award reception on March 21st.
Compliance and Decisions
The Competition Committee may refuse to consider entries that do not comply with the Competition Rules. Competition Committee decisions will be final.
Rule Revisions
The Competition Rules may be revised or supplemented by the Competition Committee or Gonzaga Law School at any time before or up to the start of the Competition.
Questions
Questions regarding any aspect of the Competition should be directed to Myonne Davis-Nicholson at davis-nicholson@gonzaga.edu.