Current 1Ls, 2Ls, and incoming transfer students are invited to apply for the position of Moot Court Student Editor for the 2024-2025 academic year. The application will be open on Lawnet from April 10 to June 5. Moot Court Student Editors may serve all year or for one semester. The program consists of the following components, which can be mixed and matched. The information below is also summarized in an information sheet here.
(1) Workshop in Briefcraft course (Fall 2024)
Some (but not all) moot court student editors enroll in Workshop in Briefcraft, which is offered in the Fall on Wednesdays from 4:20 PM - 6:10 PM. In Briefcraft, the students work collaboratively in teams of four to create new moot court problems. Their moot court problems are used in the Spring LPW II class the following semester. Workshop in Briefcraft is a fun, creative, and collaborative way to earn Major Writing Credit. It also builds skills in intensive research, writing, and teamwork. The class is 2 credits and is open by application to both 2L and 3L students. This is the only moot court student editor option that includes major writing credit.
Students who take Briefcraft in the Fall are also expected to serve as teaching fellows for LPW II in the Spring. Students report that it is rewarding to see the problems that they wrote in the fall come to life in 1L briefs and oral arguments and that they feel especially prepared to serve as TAs for LPW given their role helping to create the 1L curriculum. One scheduling note: students in Briefcraft typically work on their moot court problems from September to November. Students then return to their projects for final edits over Winter Break and/or during the J-term.
Credit structure: Students typically receive two experiential credits in the fall for Workshop in Briefcraft. They earn three credits in the spring, consisting of two experiential credits in the "Moot Court Student Editor" category and one credit in the Teaching Fellow category. In most cases, it is possible for students to receive both experiential credits and major writing credit from Workshop in Briefcraft in the fall. However, if a student has previously taken a course that awarded both experiential credit and writing credit, the student will not be allowed to "double dip" a second time under Rule 1.1.5.2 of the credit rules. This means that some 3Ls may have to choose between writing credit and experiential credit for the fall. 3Ls who are concerned about whether they can earn both writing and experiential credit should consult with their academic advisor to ensure that they are meeting their credit requirements.
(2) Moot Court Student Editors/Teaching Fellows for Fall 2024 for 2 credits:
Fall teaching fellows will be matched with a fall section of LPW. Students who work as fall teaching fellows have a chance to serve as mentors to new students in their first semester at CLS. They play a valuable role that goes beyond just editing and providing formal feedback. They will receive 2 teaching fellow credits.
Please note that LPW starts before Labor Day, 10 days before the regular semester begins. LPW typically ends a couple of week early, in mid-November. Students who will still be away during August may still serve as teaching fellows, though they are encouraged to attend the August classes if possible.
(3) Moot Court Student Editors/ Teaching Fellows for Spring 2025 for 3 credits:
Spring editors will be matched with a Spring Section of LPW II. They will receive three credits: two experiential credits in the "Moot Court Student Editor" category and one teaching fellow credit. Like the fall teaching fellows, spring editors serve as valuable mentors to first-year students. In addition to attending the LPW classes, Spring editors are also expected to attend a series of 4 sessions during January 2025 to prepare them for their roles as editors of 1L work.
Combinations:
When applying on lawnet, students have the option to apply for any of the following combinations:
(1) Briefcraft Class in the Fall + LPW Teaching Fellow in the Spring (5 credits total)
(2) Briefcraft Class in the Fall + LPW Teaching Fellow for the full year (7 credits total)
(3) LPW Teaching Fellow for both Fall and Spring (5 credits total)
(4) LPW Teaching Fellow for just Fall 2024 (2 credits)
(5) LPW Teaching Fellow for just the Spring 2025 (3 credits)
Timeline of Application Dates and Deadlines
April 10, 2024 - June 7, 2024: Application is Open on LawNet, consisting of the following components:
- Brief application form describing why you want to be a Moot Court Student Editor;
- Resume;
- Writing Sample;
- Transcript; and
- The name and contact information for one or more references (typically either your LPW instructor or one of your student editors or moot court coaches).
June 28, 2024 - approximate notification date for students who have been selected for both the full-year and semester-long programs.
Questions? Students are encouraged to contact Sophia Bernhardt at [email protected] with any questions. There will also be an information session on April 10, 2024 at 12:10 pm in WJWH 103.
Note for Transfer Students: Transfer students entering CLS in the Fall of 2024 are welcome to apply to be Moot Court Student Editors. The application deadline for transfer students will be posted shortly. Interested students may also contact Sophia Bernhardt at [email protected]