Harvey M. Richey
Moot Court Competition

All Baylor Law students are required to participate in one of two Harvey M. Richey Moot Court Society moot court competitions at the end of their first year. Appreciating the value of the experience, many upper-quarter students choose to compete for a second, and even a third time.

Each team of two competitors writes a brief, then goes on to complete four rounds of oral arguments. The top 16 teams are awarded the distinction of barrister and move on to the final rounds of competition. Barristers, along with full-time faculty, judge the final oral arguments. Prize money is awarded to the top teams, outstanding speakers, and competitors who wrote the best briefs.

While most law schools offer moot court competitions, they typically end after one or two rounds. The rigor required to professionally argue and sustain a case through seven or eight rounds gives Baylor Law students a far more immersive and richer experience in appellate advocacy.

The Dawson & Sodd, LLP Fall Moot Court Competition is named in recognition of the late Professor Emeritus Matt “Mad Dog” Dawson, the Practice Court instructor from 1971 to 1983, and his firm, Dawson & Sodd, LLP of Corsicana. Baylor Law is grateful for the lifetime support of, and philanthropy to, Baylor Law School by Professor Emeritus Matt “Mad Dog” Dawson.

The Faegre Drinker Spring Moot Court Competition is generously sponsored by the law firm Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP in recognition of its support of Baylor Law’s moot court program. The Law School administration, faculty, and students are very grateful for the support of the firm.