Apply now to compete for Pitt Law in the annual Cardozo/BMI Moot Court Competition (copyright/trademark/entertainment law) and the annual Giles Sutherland Rich Moot Court (patent law).
The competitions themselves take place next Spring, in mid- to late-March.
In the past, both competitions have been held in-person, in New York City (Cardozo) and in Boston (the regional competition for Rich, with the winners moving to Washington DC for the national finals). In 2021, both competitions were held virtually. In 2022, the Cardozo competition was held virtually. The Rich competition was held in person. We do not yet know the format for the 2023 competitions.
Pitt Law traditionally enters one two-person team in each competition.
No prior coursework or work experience in IP is required to be selected to compete. These are appellate advocacy competitions that involve brief writing and oral advocacy before panels of senior IP lawyers and federal judges, with extensive mentorship from long-serving expert practitioners in Pittsburgh. Outstanding performance in past competitions by Pitt Law students has led directly to job opportunities and other career advancement.
Any expenses associated with students’ participating in and travelling to the competitions are paid by Pitt Law. Academic credit (“activity credit”) is available for students who complete each competition.
The competitions are open to any second or third year JD student.
Any student who would like to apply and be considered for either team (or both) should submit a writing sample of the student’s choice (any length, any format, any type of legal writing), along with a current resume, no later than 12 noon on Tuesday, November 1, to David Oberdick, one of Pitt’s moot court coaches, at dgo@muslaw.com. Each student should indicate whether they are applying to compete in the Cardozo competition, or the Rich competition, or both, and in the case of both, should indicate their preference.
If lots of students submit applications, a mock oral argument session may be scheduled as part of the team tryout.
Questions? Please contact Mr. Oberdick.
Posted on October 3, 2022
Posted here because the Pitt Law “eDocket” does not accept long notices.