February 05, 2025

Traveling from Arizona to New York to compete at the top moot court level

Two students from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University reached the final rounds of the New York City National Moot Court Competition, which took place from January 29 to 31. 

Moot court simulates appellate advocacy, where teams submit written briefs and argue orally before a panel of judges. The New York City competition, celebrating its 75th year, is the longest-running moot court event in the country and  is sponsored by the New York City Bar Association and the American College of Trial Lawyers,

Each year, 120 law schools divided into 14 regions compete in the event. This year, August Butler, a second-year JD student, and Amy Lundy, a third-year JD student, represented ASU Law.

Butler and Lundy spent three weeks preparing a brief for a disability discrimination claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act, based on a theme park scenario. The competition has a tight timeline. The problem is released in early October, briefs are due by the end of the month and regional rounds take place in November. The team said they squeezed in around four practice sessions a week.

The team also received valuable guidance from their coaches and alums, Mikel Steinfield (JD ‘06) and Trish Stuhan (JD ‘09), both experienced in oral advocacy.

Butler and Lundy chose the more challenging side of the case, believing it would better prepare them for arguments. With just two team members, each student wrote a brief on one of the two issues and argued that same issue during the rounds.

In the regional rounds in Seattle, the team won the preliminary rounds and advanced to the semifinals, placing second in the final round. At nationals, they won both preliminary rounds but were eliminated in the octofinal round. They watched the final round to learn from top competitors and said they each returned home with valuable insights.

For Butler, the experience was transformative, “The first time I watched an oral argument, it was terrifying,” they said. “But when you put in the work to research and prepare, it’s an amazing feeling to be able to answer challenging questions with thoughtful analysis.”

Lundy said she appreciated the opportunity to gain courtroom experience before graduation. “This experience has made me more comfortable in the courtroom and will help me better represent clients in real courtrooms throughout my career,” she said.

Written by Crystal Jimenez