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NAAC Committee Seeks Volunteers To Judge the 2025-2026 NAAC National Finals

The ABA Law Student Division National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC) Committee is asking for volunteers to judge the 2025-2026 NAAC National Finals, April 9-10, 2026, at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

 
You be the judge, literally!
Spend a few hours as a Supreme Court Justice without the confirmation hearings! All rounds take place in a courtroom and robes are provided for all competition judges.
 
Give back and mentor law students
This opportunity will fulfill your need to impart wisdom onto the next generation of lawyers. We are looking for lawyers and judges to sit on the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments and provide feedback on the advocacy skills of each team.
 
CLE Information
Attorneys acting as judges in moot court competitions may self-report their participation to claim CLE credit. Rules, calculations, and limits vary by state.

Make a day of it. Sign up for one, two, or more rounds. Or invite your colleagues and register as a group!

The rounds, including an hour for judge orientation, are scheduled as follows:
Round 1 – Thursday, April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Round 2 – Thursday, April 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Octofinal Round – Friday, April 10 from 8:00 am to 10:30 a.m.
Quarterfinal Round - Friday, April 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Semifinal Round – Friday, April 10 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The ABA will send an email confirming your judging assignment within 5 days followed by a separate message with the bench memorandum, the problem (record), and instructions on judging. Reviewing these materials is the only preparation required of competition judges.

Please contact erica.zepeda@americanbar.org if you have any questions.

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola
Filed under: 
Practice News
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Northern Illinois

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