Advocate of the Year Competition

The Advocate of the Year Competition (“AYC”) is an intramural appellate advocacy competition open to all upper level division students who have successfully completed the Spring Moot Court Program.

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.

• Round 1: Oct. 1st & 2nd 
• Round 2: Oct 15th &16th 
• Finals: Oct. 21st

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 that other 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 laterl 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.

The 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 Robin Lagorio.