the Cypress Lake Wire

By LaZharia Washington

In a small classroom tucked inside Mouton Hall, students practice standing before a panel of “judges” and argue cases that could shape real legal precedent—if only they were in an actual courtroom. At UL Lafayette, the Moot Court Team offers students a glimpse into the intensity of law school, but few on campus even know it exists.

Offered as both a competitive team and a class, Moot Court gives students the opportunity to practice simulated Supreme Court arguments, a perfect opportunity for anyone considering a legal career. Head coach and visiting justice instructor Blacin Godfry says that the team is not as well-known because the program is “relatively small” and relies on word of mouth.

“We tend to try and reach out to students during advising and during classes,” he says. “But we also have limited funding, so we can only facilitate so many students traveling to competitions.”

Still, the group’s small size hasn’t stopped its members from tackling complex legal cases and gaining courtroom-style experience on campus. Co-president My La describes moot court as “simulated Supreme Court oral arguments where students act as attorneys presenting an argument before a panel of attorneys and judges acting as Supreme Court Justices.” During those arguments, judges may interrupt to ask questions about the students’ reasoning, testing whether they understand the cases they’re arguing.

Preparations begin over the summer as soon as the American Moot Court Association releases the case records. Once the semester starts, members meet twice a week to refine their

arguments. “During our practices, we try to first build our legal arguments using cases that we briefed.” La says.

Secretary Piper Recca adds, “There are two weekly practices… this year we implemented outside times for people who couldn’t make the specific times for practice.” Because the cases change every year, members are constantly adapting and learning. This constant change helps the team gain courtroom-style experience while improving their legal reasoning.

Beyond the academic challenge, Moot Court also gives students opportunities to travel and strengthen their law school applications. Many law schools have moot court programs, so being part of a nationally ranked team helps applicants stand out. The university funds competition travel expenses—covering meals, flights, and hotels—so students can focus solely on preparation.

While the experience is rigorous, members say it’s also rewarding. Recca recalls her favorite memory from a competition trip to Texas for a competition. “We got to see higher–level arguments, and it helped us learn where we went wrong with our arguments and what the competition is like,” she says.

La shared a more sentimental takeaway from her time on the team. “Personally, for me, just meeting everyone on the team and getting close to them and meeting a lot of friends.”

Both La and Recca tell students not to be intimidated. “You build the skills through the years of experience,” La says.

Recca adds, “No matter what major you are, if you have an interest in it, definitely come just to see what we do.” They agree that practice, persistence, and peer support are what make the team successful.

With opportunities for travel, growth, and camaraderie, Moot Court offers students hands-on experience that mirrors the challenges of law school. For those considering a legal career, it’s a valuable step towards understanding what life as an attorney might be, and a reminder that even small programs can have a big impact.