Advocacy is an essential component of legal education at UNT Dallas College of Law. Through coursework, intramural competitions and interscholastic advocacy teams, students develop the research, writing, oral argument and courtroom skills needed for legal practice.
The Advocacy Program provides opportunities to apply legal knowledge in simulated proceedings, receive feedback from legal professionals and develop professional judgment through competition and practical training.
Advocacy training is integrated into the UNT Dallas College of Law curriculum. Students develop foundational advocacy skills through required coursework and the first-year Judge's Gavel Motions Competition.
Students also complete an additional advocacy requirement before graduation. This requirement may be satisfied through approved competitions, interscholastic advocacy teams, designated courses or qualifying advocacy experiences completed through supervised clinics and community engagement projects.
These experiences help students strengthen legal analysis, persuasive writing, oral communication and courtroom professionalism.
UNT Dallas College of Law offers three intramural competitions that give students opportunities to develop advocacy skills through simulated legal proceedings.
The first-year Judge's Gavel Motions Competition introduces students to oral advocacy through simulated motion arguments. Students apply legal research and analysis while developing courtroom presentation skills and responding to questions from judges.
The Thompson Coburn Moot Court Competition provides students with experience in appellate advocacy. Participants research legal issues, prepare written briefs and present oral arguments addressing both sides of an appellate case.
The Kastl Mock Trial Competition allows students to practice trial advocacy through simulated proceedings. Participants develop case strategies, conduct witness examinations, present opening and closing statements, and apply courtroom procedures.
Students selected for interscholastic advocacy teams represent UNT Dallas College of Law in regional and national competitions.
These opportunities include moot court, mock trial and other approved advocacy competitions. Team members work with faculty and legal professionals to strengthen their research, writing, case preparation and oral advocacy skills.
Through competition, students gain experience presenting legal arguments, responding to questions and adapting their strategies in simulated legal proceedings.
The UNT Dallas College of Law Board of Advocates is a student organization dedicated to developing oral and written advocacy skills.
The board organizes intramural competitions and supports student participation in advocacy activities. Through these opportunities, members contribute to the college's advocacy programming while developing leadership, organization and professional communication skills.
Explore the Board of Advocates