Student Testimonials
"The feeling of coming off a moot court competition is like no other. All of the built-up nerves after three simulated oral arguments finally give way to the pride (and relief) of being finished. Soon enough, you’re back with your teammates, instantly rehashing every experience: the judges, questions, winning arguments, and strategies. Later, you are invited to the award ceremony. And while I personally didn't win anything, it was enough to know that the months of preparation contributed to one of our teams putting Weber State on the map.
Moot court is unforgettable for so many reasons, but the biggest takeaway for me was realizing I could actually be a lawyer. It’s one thing to be obsessed with the Supreme Court; it’s another to picture yourself arguing at that podium. I didn’t even think I could argue at first. But Moot Court changed that. In five months, you and your fellow students will step into the role of an appellate lawyer. You quickly learn the basics of constitutional law, legal research, and case briefing. It then moves to practice oral arguments, where you start developing the skill of persuasion.
For anyone considering law school, there’s no better experience. It introduces you to the basics of legal reasoning and connects you with peers of the same interest. I came away from moot court with increased confidence, a deeper understanding of the law, and invaluable support from teammates inside the competition and out. Even better, you get to work with Dr. Gary Johnson, who is one of the most knowledgeable people I know on all matters of politics and constitutional law. I implore any student to take advantage of such an opportunity!"
- Tate, 2025
"I joined the moot court team hoping to add a nice looking extracurricular activity to my resume and make a few friends along the way. The reality of the moot court team far exceeded my expectations. I did many competitive activities through my high school, so I'm familiar with the camaraderie that you build with your teammates as you work together, but the moot court team is unlike those other teams I've been on in the past. The people I've met in moot court have become some of my best friends at the university. The social engagement extends beyond the moot court teammates, though. The opportunity to work with the coaches and other substitute faculty, tournament judges, and other competitors has been invaluable from a community engagement perspective. My major keeps me in the business building for the majority of my classes, so the moot court team has provided an opportunity to meet other students and faculty that I otherwise would have never met.
In addition, the experience I have gained and the hard work I have put in with the moot court team will benefit me greatly throughout the remainder of my academic career and into my professional career. The preparation in moot court can be difficult and time-consuming, but it is very rewarding in both the satisfaction of the payout from the work and the positive habits that are built."
- Porter, 2024
"Participating in Moot Court was invaluable for both my educational and vocational development. This class was truly the seed that helped me achieve my full potential, not just academically but also in my professional life. The program significantly enhanced my research and argumentation skills, pushing me to analyze complex legal issues and articulate my thoughts clearly and persuasively. After participating in Moot Court, I found myself presenting and receiving awards in other programs, such as Model United Nations and various research papers. This foundation also contributed greatly to my success in my Constitutional Rights class and ultimately led to my promotion to a management position. The skills I developed, particularly in effective communication and time management, have been crucial in my career, and I owe a significant part of my success to Moot Court.
Engaging in simulated court proceedings allowed me to experience the dynamics of the legal process firsthand, which was both exciting and educational. The collaborative environment fostered high-impact learning experiences, building solid team-building skills and encouraging mentorship among peers and faculty. Working closely with my teammates helped us cultivate a supportive network that enhanced our confidence and reinforced the importance of collaboration. The opportunity to engage in critical thinking enhances learning and provides a deeper understanding of the legal system's impact on society. In Moot Court, we learn how one rule or law can impact the whole world; it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I wish all students could experience.
Overall, my experience in Moot Court was a transformative learning opportunity that equipped me with essential skills for my future career in law. I believe continuing to support this program is crucial for future students who will benefit similarly. Just as one seed can grow into something remarkable, Moot Court has planted the seed for my growth, and I’m eager to see how it continues to flourish for future generations.
Thank you again for the opportunity to contribute. I am deeply grateful for the experiences and skills that Moot Court has provided me."
- Raissa, 2020
"I was recruited by Dr. Robison-Greene to join Weber State’s Moot Court team in 2014. Initially, I had planned to become an attorney, so moot court was a logical step to help build my academic resume. I remember clearly that the case material in my first year was about abortion rights, and I was thrilled to be able to argue for a woman’s right to privacy over her own body. However, I quickly learned that in order to not only compete, but to be successful, I had to be able to argue both sides of an issue with equal knowledge and passion. In addition to this, I also had a unique opportunity to hone both my research and presentation skills. I wouldn’t have been able to have these experiences if I hadn’t joined the moot court team.
While I didn’t pursue a law degree, I did attend New York University for my master’s degree, and I can unequivocally say that moot court played a role both in being admitted to NYU and in my success in completing my program. The research skills were invaluable as I took a doctoral-level class on qualitative research and design. I was also able to put my public speaking abilities to good use, as almost every class that I took had several presentations as part of the course. As a result of what I learned from moot court, I graduated with my Executive Master’s in Public Administration with a 3.98 GPA.
In addition, I also find myself using the skills that I was able to refine with Dr. Johnson’s help in my work as the National Performance Director for a rapidly growing nonprofit that receives support from Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, and McKenzie Scott, co-founder of Amazon. In my role there, I oversee our national impact strategy, which requires clear, concise, and persuasive execution across multiple markets. I credit Dr. Johnson and the moot court team with my ability to craft compelling memos and presentations that result in helping hundreds of people each year.
It is my profound hope that the moot court program continues to receive Weber State’s support, because it can genuinely change someone’s life. I was able to continue my education at a prestigious research university, and it has played a large role in my professional success as well. This program will continue to serve the students of Weber State well, and I hope it does so for years to come."
- James, 2019