On February 5, 2010, Joanna Robinson and Cherrelle Hooper, arguing for the Petitioners, competed against Jacob Neu and Lauren Fromme, arguing for the Respondents, in Vanderbilt University Law School’s Intramural Moot Court Competition, sponsored by Bass, Berry & Sims PLC. Vanderbilt was honored to host Chief Judge Alex Kozinski of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Judge Duane Benton of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and Judge Scott Stucky of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces as judges for the competition.
Each year, Vanderbilt Law School offers all 2Ls and 3Ls an opportunity to participate in the Bass, Berry & Sims PLC Intramural Moot Court Competition. During the first week of the school year, all 2Ls are invited to attend an informational meeting, which is mandatory for those who wish to register for moot court. The moot court competition is also a one-credit course in Advanced Appellate Advocacy, administered by the Vanderbilt Moot Court Board. To complete the competition and earn the credit hour, students must write an appellate brief and present two rounds of oral arguments in front of a panel of judges. Thirty students are selected for the Vanderbilt Moot Court Board based on their combined brief and oral scores.
Moot court finalists receive cash prizes sponsored by Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, and the winners also receive the distinguished Cortner Award. Other awards include Best Oralist and Best Brief.