Advocate of the Year Competition

The Advocate of the Year Competition (“AYC”) is an intramural appellate advocacy competition open to all students who have successfully completed the first year oral advocacy exercise.

In order to participate, students must sign up for AYC with the Registrar prior to the Fall Semester. AYC participants receive one non-classroom credit hour.

The 2012-2013 academic year AYC competition is scheduled for the following dates:

• Round 1: September 29th & 30th
• Round 2: October 6th
• Finals: October 19th

The written portion of the competition requires that each participant write an appellate brief advocating for either the Petitioner or the Respondent. Each student must then participate in two oral arguments – representing one party in the morning and the opposing party in the afternoon. 

Students argue a hypothetical case in front of a panel of USF alumni who serve as appellate judges. Participants advance to later rounds based on the judges’ scores. Participants are scored on overall persuasiveness, presence, knowledge of the facts and law, and ability to answer questions effectively.  At the end of the competition, awards are given for Best Brief and Advocate of the Year. 

The Moot Court Board Advocacy Director is in charge of the Advocate of the Year Competition. The Advocacy Director organizes the AYC competition and writes the bench memorandum. All questions and comments should be directed to the Advocacy Director by calling (415) 422-5118 or emailing the Advocacy Director Derik Hilliard.