ALA members act as judges, with actual Appellate Court Justices judging the semi-final and final rounds. Past judges of the Semi-Final and Final rounds include: Justice Donald C. Hudson, Justice William E. Holdridge, Justice Nathaniel R. Howse, Jr., Justice Margaret Stanton McBride, Justice Michael B. Hyman, Justice Mary K. Rochford, Justice Maureen Connors, Justice Sharon Oden Johnson, Justice Cynthia Cobbs, Justice Jesse Reyes, Justice Mary L. Mikva, Justice Judy Lynn Cates, Justice Mary Anne Mason, Justice Freddrenna Lyle, Justice Ramon Ocasio, III,  and Justice Terrence Lavin of the Appellate Court of Illinois.

2025 HIGHLIGHTS

First Place Overall Competition Winner
South Texas College of Law

Second Place Overall Competition Winner      
Stetson University College of Law

Best Oral Argument
Tori Greene, South Texas College of Law

Best Brief
South Texas College of Law

Participating Schools
Baylor University School of Law
Chicago-Kent College of Law
DePaul University College of Law
Florida State University College of Law
Georgetown Law
Georgia State University College of Law
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Michigan State University
New York Law School
South Texas College of Law Houston
Southwestern Law School
Stetson University College of Law
UIC Law
University of California College of the Law, San Francisco
University of Illinois College of Law
University of Oklahoma College of Law
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Wake Forest University School of Law

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Platinum Level

Taft is a modern, progressive firm that is the trusted advisor to many successful clients and an employer of choice in each of our major markets. Our attorneys listen and understand that innovative, value-creating solutions help our clients reach their goals. Our collaborative approach, advanced technological resources and depth of services can transform what you expect from your legal team. 

The firm practices across a wide range of industries, in virtually every area of law, including: Business, Business Restructuring, Energy, Environmental, Finance, Health and Life Sciences, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Litigation, Public Affairs Strategies Group, Private Client, Real Estate, and Tax law. Since 1885, Taft has looked forward to delivering results for our clients, communities, and each other. To learn more, visit Taftlaw.com.

Silver Level



The National Law Journal named Clifford Law Offices one of the 50 Elite Law Firms in the country, and we are the only firm in Chicago to be given this distinction. The National Law Journal has also named the firm as one of the top 10 Litigation Boutiques in the country. And in 2020, Clifford Law Offices was named “Aviation Law Firm of the Year” by the same organization and ALM. This recognition was awarded due to our ongoing success in representing our clients as well as our solid track record of client wins.

 


Established in 1995 by four partners and four associates, DBS rapidly developed a reputation of excellence in trial and appellate practice. Since its inception, DBS has tried hundreds of cases to verdict in both state and federal courts. Many client referrals to DBS arise from word-of-mouth testaments from clients who have benefited through DBS’ excellent service.

DBS initially concentrated its representation in the fields of medical malpractice, professional liability and insurance defense. Soon after its formation, DBS was retained by major U.S. auto manufacturers to defend product liability cases throughout the Midwest, which, in turn, led to the formation of a nationally renown product liability practice.

As the firm has grown, DBS has developed a reputation of excellence in myriad other practice areas, including institutional liability, mass tort and class actions, commercial litigation, insurance coverage, and appeals. No firm in Chicago has tried more complex, high exposure cases successfully as has DBS. The attorneys of DBS count among their accolades a multitude of prestigious honors and recognitions from legal and peer rankings, including the American College of Trial Lawyers, the Litigation Counsel of America, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Illinois Leading Lawyers and Illinois Super Lawyers.

Laner Muchin represents management in employment-related litigation, labor relations, employment law counseling, employee benefits, executive compensation, business immigration matters and corporate transactions and commercial litigation.

Law Offices of Michael Rathsack

TESTIMONIALS

“The Appellate Lawyers Association is moot court at its finest!  I am fortunate to have met and competed with talented law students, intelligent attorneys, and prestigious judges from all over the United States.  The entire process enhanced my appreciation for the courtroom, the appellate practice, and the law.” - Moot Court Student Participant

"I enjoyed participating in the ALA competition this year.  The judges that we argued before were particularly helpful with their feedback." - Moot Court Student Participant

“Using experienced appellate lawyers as judges is far more valuable to our moot court students than are trial-lawyer judges who often don't understand the difference between advocacy to a jury and advocacy to a panel of judges. Your judges were superb.  I've never seen a more well-prepared group of judges." - Moot Court Faculty Advisor