California Western students have the opportunity to compete in moot court exercises early in their law school careers - intrascholastic competitions that are the first step in becoming a member of a traveling intercollegiate competition team.

Trial and Appellate Teams

In their second semester, first-year California Western students are eligible for MCHB-administered intrascholastic competitions, where performance can lead to designation as a Distinguished Advocate (DA). Finalists in both the David M. Gill Trial Competition and the 1L Appellate Competition are candidates for DA awards.

Students who have received DA awards may then apply to take California Western's Trial Skills" or Appellate Skills classes, commonly referred to as DA Summer Camp. Acceptance into the intense 14-week trial- or appellate-dedicated camp is predicated on a review of the student's competition history, as well as academic performance.

Upon completion of DA Summer Camp, qualified advocates are selected for traveling competitive trial and appellate competition teams.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Teams

At California Western, there are ADR events throughout the year that focus specifically on negotiation and/or mediation. These competitions are the primary way in which students are selected for the traveling negotiation and mediation teams.

For more information on California Western's Moot Court Honors Board, including the process involved in joining a traveling competition team, please visit the MCHB Student Bar Association website.