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Transform classroom knowledge into real-world success

At Washburn Law, we pride ourselves on offering dynamic, hands-on learning experiences through our competition teams. Whether you’re arguing a counseling a client, negotiating a business deal or simulating a trial, these teams provide an invaluable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios. Our competition teams are not just about winning trophies; they are about building confidence, honing your legal skills, and preparing you for a successful career in law.

Why join a competition team?

Joining a competition team at Washburn Law offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the courtroom. Here's why you should consider becoming part of this vibrant community:

  • Practical experience: Engage in realistic legal scenarios that sharpen your litigation, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. You'll learn to think on your feet, articulate your arguments, and develop a strategic mindset.
  • Networking opportunities: Competing against other law schools across the country allows you to meet peers, judges, and legal professionals. These connections can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and lifelong friendships.
  • Professional growth: Competition teams teach you professionalism, resilience, and teamwork—qualities that are highly valued in the legal field. The feedback from seasoned judges and attorneys helps you refine your techniques and grow as a future attorney.
  • Travel: Travel to various cities across the United States to compete, with most expenses covered by Washburn Law. This is a fantastic opportunity to see new places while doing what you love.
  • Inclusive community: As a school with a significant number of first-generation law students, Washburn Law ensures that everyone feels welcome and supported. Our competition teams are dedicated to helping you succeed, no matter your background.

By joining a competition team, you'll gain more than just accolades; you'll acquire the skills, experiences, and confidence to excel in your legal career. We encourage you to seize this opportunity to challenge yourself, learn from the best, and become part of a tradition of excellence at Washburn Law.

Explore Moot Court

Interested in sharpening your legal writing and advocacy skills? Washburn Law’s Moot Court Council offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage in simulated court proceedings, compete with peers nationwide, and receive invaluable feedback from experienced judges. Discover how Moot Court can elevate your legal education and prepare you for a successful career in law.
Students take a break from competition practice to chat in appellate courtroom.
Competition teams

  • About: The 1L Opening and Closing Competition is a unique opportunity for first-year law students at Washburn Law to develop and showcase their advocacy skills early in their law school careers. Participants deliver opening and closing statements, receiving valuable feedback from real judges and attorneys. This competition allows students to practice and refine their courtroom presentation skills in a supportive and educational environment.
  • Benefits of Joining: Participating in this competition helps 1L students build foundational skills in oral advocacy. It offers a practical introduction to courtroom procedures and public speaking, allowing students to measure their abilities and improve through constructive feedback. This experience can also help students decide if they wish to pursue more advanced advocacy competitions and teams.
  • How to Join: Try-outs and selections for the 1L Opening and Closing Competition are held each fall. Information on specific dates and the process to try out is sent via email to all eligible students in advance.
  • Time Commitment: Participants prepare for the competition with multiple practices each week in the month leading up to the event. The time and energy required vary based on individual preparation and work habits. Practices are scheduled to accommodate students’ other obligations, ensuring they can balance competition preparation with their academic and personal commitments.

  • About: The Client Counseling Competition at Washburn Law provides students with the opportunity to role-play and develop skills necessary for effective client interviews and intake processes. In teams of two, students conduct initial interviews with client actors, gather necessary information, and determine the next steps for client representation. This competition emphasizes the importance of building professional relationships with clients and understanding their needs.
  • Benefits of Joining: Winning an ABA/LSD lawyering skills competition like Client Counseling can significantly enhance your resume and impress potential employers. The competition allows students to demonstrate their ability to interact with clients and apply their legal knowledge in practical settings. Top teams from the Washburn competition can also earn course credit by drafting a memorandum on the relevant area of law, integrating this valuable experience into their academic progress.
  • How to Join: Try-outs for the Client Counseling Competition are generally held in November through an in-school competition process. Details on the specific date and try-out process are sent via email to all students ahead of the competition.
  • Time Commitment: Participants prepare for the competition with multiple practices each week in the month or months leading up to the event. The required time and effort vary based on individual preparation habits. Practices are scheduled to fit around students’ other commitments, allowing them to balance their involvement in the competition with their academic and personal responsibilities.

  • About: The Jessup International Moot Court Competition is the most prestigious moot court competition in the world, attracting over 500 law schools from more than 100 countries. Washburn Law annually selects a team to compete in this esteemed event, where students tackle complex issues of international law. Team members assume roles as applicants, respondents, and support, developing deep expertise in the competition’s legal problems.
  • Benefits of Joining: Competing in the Jessup Moot Court provides unparalleled experience in international law and advocacy. Students enhance their oral and written advocacy skills and gain insights from expert faculty coaches. This prestigious competition also offers significant networking opportunities with peers and legal professionals worldwide.
  • How to Join: Try-outs for the Jessup Moot Court team are held each fall. Information on specific dates and the try-out process is communicated via email to all students in advance.
  • Time Commitment: Team members prepare for the Jessup Competition with multiple practices each week in the months leading up to the event. The time commitment varies based on individual preparation habits. Practices are scheduled to accommodate students’ other responsibilities, ensuring they can balance competition preparation with their academic and personal lives.

  • About: The Negotiation Competition at Washburn Law is designed to help students develop essential legal negotiation skills. Teams of two students negotiate with opposing teams to reach settlements on provided scenarios. These scenarios include general information and confidential details specific to each team, challenging students to craft effective strategies and solutions.
  • Benefits of Joining: Winning an ABA/LSD lawyering skills competition like the Negotiation Competition can significantly enhance your resume and impress potential employers. Participation demonstrates your ability to negotiate effectively, an essential skill for many legal careers. Top teams can also earn course credit by drafting a memorandum on the competition’s relevant legal issues, integrating this valuable experience into their academic progress.
  • How to Join: Try-outs for the Negotiation Competition are generally held in September through an in-school competition process. Information on specific dates and the try-out process is communicated via email to all students ahead of the competition.
  • Time Commitment: Participants prepare for the competition with multiple practices each week in the month or months leading up to the event. The time and energy required vary based on individual preparation habits. Practices are scheduled to fit around students’ other commitments, allowing them to balance their involvement in the competition with their academic and personal responsibilities.

  • About: The Transactional Law Meets Competition at Washburn Law involves drafting, markups, and live negotiation sessions on complex transactional scenarios. Team members draft original agreements, review opposing teams’ agreements, and engage in negotiations to represent their clients’ interests. This competition provides practical experience in transactional law, preparing students for careers in this field.
  • Benefits of Joining: Transactional lawyers play a crucial role in various legal matters, from real estate to business transactions. Participating in this competition allows students to gain substantial experience in drafting, negotiating, and counseling clients, setting them apart in the job market. Team members also have the chance to earn course credit for their efforts, integrating this valuable experience into their academic progress.
  • How to Join: An information session about the competition and how to apply for a spot on the team is held each fall. Selection is typically finalized by early October. Details on the specific date and application process are sent via email to all students in early fall.
  • Time Commitment: Washburn Law fields a team of approximately six students each year. Team members work on drafting rounds and prepare for negotiation rounds, with three members traveling to the host school for live negotiations. The time commitment is similar to that of a 1-credit class, ensuring it is manageable alongside other academic responsibilities.

  • About: Trial Advocacy teams at Washburn Law allow students to develop and present hypothetical cases in a competitive format, showcasing their trial skills. These teams participate in various competitions across the United States, with most expenses covered by the law school. The competitions cover a broad range of legal topics, providing comprehensive training in trial advocacy.
  • Benefits of Joining: Joining a Trial Advocacy team helps students hone their courtroom skills, preparing them for real-world legal practice. Team members receive coaching from experienced adjunct instructors, gaining insights into effective advocacy techniques. This hands-on experience is invaluable for students aspiring to careers in litigation.
  • How to Join: Try-outs for Trial Advocacy teams are held throughout the year. Information on specific dates and the try-out process is communicated via email to all students in advance.
  • Time Commitment: Participants prepare for competitions with multiple practices each week in the months leading up to the events. The required time and effort vary based on individual preparation habits. Practices are scheduled to accommodate students’ other responsibilities, ensuring they can balance competition preparation with their academic and personal lives.