Judges
MCHB relies on volunteer attorneys to provide judging and feedback for our in-house
competitions. In addition to allowing the competitions to function, volunteer judges
provide valuable feedback that helps students improve their advocacy skills.
WHAT DO JUDGES DO?
Judges' duties vary according to the type of competition. Judges in the Mock Trial
Competitions will have the opportunity to make rulings on motions in limine and
objections. Appellate Advocacy judges can tap into their inner Scalias and Sotomayors
and pepper competitors with questions, while Contracts Competition judges generally
assume more of a "spectator" role.
Judges are provided with bench briefs and/or background information prior to their
judging commitments. They also receive detailed scoring criteria and information
on the competition rules. We do not typically ask judges to score written student
materials; volunteer judges are generally involved only in the oral rounds of competitions.
We welcome attorneys from all practice areas.
WHAT'S THE TIME COMMITMENT?
The time commitment varies for each competition, but judges can generally expect
to spend between three and four hours at the Law School each time they volunteer.
We understand that our judges are extremely busy people, and strive to be respectful
of their donated time.
Justice Richard Sanders of the Supreme Court of Washington was one of several individuals
who judged the final rounds of the 2009 1L Appellate Advocacy Competition.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?
In a nutshell: a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner and up to six free CLE credits.
We provide food for all judges who volunteer their time. Judges may also receive
up to six free CLE credits, depending on how many rounds they judge. Of course,
judges also receive the satisfaction that comes with helping UW law students develop
their advocacy skills.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Email . Thank you for your interest!