The University of North Texas (UNT) Moot Court team continues to build its reputation with impressive performances on the national stage, ranking eighth in the nation for oral advocacy according to the American Moot Court Association during the 2024–25 season.
The UNT Moot Court team, established in 2000, is a student-led organization that engages in debates on legal issues based on real court cases. Three UNT teams advanced beyond the regional level in the latest season, showcasing the team’s consistent high performance.
Adam Whitten, a former trial lawyer and the team’s coach, praised the student-driven culture. “UNT Moot Court is very student-focused and student-run,” he noted, emphasizing the autonomy students have to develop their skills.
Each May, a new hypothetical legal case, rooted in actual legal issues, is released for teams to prepare over the summer, with UNT’s incoming president organizing the team and summer practice sessions, known as “runs,” to refine their arguments. Competitions involve presenting arguments across seven rounds, often on both sides of the case.
Current president Austin Boyd highlighted the demanding nature of moot court and its benefits for students pursuing legal careers. “You have to learn to manage your time, you have to know how to speak to a room and you have to argue confidently and effectively,” Boyd explained.
Boyd aims to see more teams from UNT advancing to pre-nationals and nationals, emphasizing the importance of preparation and memorization. For the 2024–25 season, alumni Quinn Kelly and Ashlyn Dodson were among the top performers, reaching the final round of the national tournament and earning speaker award distinctions.
The experience has proven valuable for participants like Dodson, who gained the confidence to apply to Baylor Law School. She reflected on the encouragement from legal professionals, stating, “When you have professionals telling you that you have those abilities, it’s really validating.”
For more information on the UNT Moot Court team, their practices, and upcoming activities, prospective members can visit the UNT Moot Court page.