In each competition, students develop practical oral advocacy skills that cannot be learned in the classroom while receiving individualized instruction and critiques on the substance and style of their presentations. During the spring moot court, the Board's largest compe- tition, competitors are given a partial trial transcript, expected to research the relevant law, write an appellate brief and argue the case before an a mock appellate court. The Board's commitment to excellence recently received national recognition when the 1993-94 UA National Moot Court team of Brian Brooks and Ed Slaughter took top honors at the National First Amendment Moot Court Competition at Vanderbilt Law School. A second national team, composed of Chris Morledge and Lisa Reeves Butler, placed high in the competition, as well. There are other competitions, too, including the National Moot Court competition administered by the Bar Association of the City of New York.
Competitors argue first at the regional level.
The UA Law School competes in a region that includes all law schools in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Ungraded credit may be awarded for participation in inter- school competitions. Participation in the Board of Advocates is an excellent way to enhance lawyering and trial advocacy skills in preparation for the practice of law. The Board meets throughout the year and occupies two offices on the second floor of the Law Programs Center. The Christian Legal Society is a non-denominational organization whose primary purpose is to integrate law school and the practice of law with the Christian life.