JUDGES

The Younger Lawyers Division of the Federal Bar Association would like to invite you to participate as a judge during the 25th Annual Thurgood Marshall Memorial Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C. from March 18-19, 2020. Law schools from across the country send student representatives to this prestigious event. It is with help of dedicated volunteers like you that the competition continues to be a success.

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about volunteering as a Moot Court judge:

Do I qualify to serve as a Moot Court judge?
YES! If you are a retired or practicing attorney or judge, you can be a Moot Court judge.

What is the role of a Moot Court judge?
A Moot Court judge scores the competitors’ oral advocacy skills.

Do I have to judge alone?
No, two other judges will serve alongside you in your courtroom.

What sort of advance research do I need to do?
The Moot Court problem and “bench memo,” which explain the legal issues in detail, will be sent to you before the competition. We ask that you review these documents before the competition. No additional research is needed.

Will there be any training for Moot Court judges?
A brief informational meeting will be held before judging to familiarize you with the rules of the competition and methods of scoring.

When and where do I need to go?
The largest number of judges are needed for the preliminary rounds of the competition to be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at the D.C. Superior Court. We ask that judges arrive at 5:30 p.m. and plan on staying until 9:00 p.m. Dinner will be provided.

NOTE: We are looking for volunteers to judge preliminary rounds the evening of Wednesday, March 18. If you are unable to judge on Wednesday and would like to be placed on the waitlist for Thursday, please let Alea Al-Aghbari know.

Can I watch the final round of the competition?
Absolutely! Judges are invited to observe the final round of the Moot Court competition and attend the accompanying reception. Both will be held at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces the evening of Thursday, March 19.

How do I sign up?
If you have any questions about volunteering, please call or email Alea Al-Aghbari (571-481-9114) at your earliest convenience. If you are interested in judging, please fill out the registration form below and send to Alea Al-Aghbari (aalaghbari@fedbar.org).

Judge Registration Form

BAILIFFS

The Federal Bar Association is seeking law students to serve as bailiffs at the 2020 Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition on March 18-19, 2020 in Washington, D.C. By participating in this competition, you will be able to:

• experience a professional moot court competition
• interact with FBA members from across the country
• work in courtrooms at the D.C. Superior Court
• network with other law students
• earn a $50 stipend for every 4 hours of service worked
• attend the final round of competition, awards ceremony, and reception at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

All volunteers will receive training prior to the competition as well as onsite guidance, and staff will be available to answer any questions.

There are only 35 total spots available, so please respond at your earliest convenience to Alea Al-Aghbari at aalaghbari@fedbar.org.

25 spots available:
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 from 5:00-9:00pm
District of Columbia H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse (DC Superior Court)
500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.

6 spots available:
Thursday, March 19, 2020 from 8:00am–12:00pm
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.

4 spots available:
Thursday, March 19, 2020 from 12:30-4:30pm
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.