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What is the showcase?
At the showcase, we will explain the differences between our divisions, demonstrate how our divisions compete, explain tryouts, and answer any questions you may have.
Was the showcase recorded?
A recording of the showcase is available here, or click to see the slides from the showcase!
How do I join Barristers' Council?
Georgetown Law students join the Barristers’ Council by competing and advancing far enough in one of our school-wide Appellate Advocacy Division (Moot Court), Trial Advocacy Division (Mock Trial), or Advanced Dispute Resolution Division (ADR) competitions. Generally, students who make it to the semi-finals of a competition are invited to join that division as a team member. Other high-placing students are offered positions as alternates. There is not a predetermined number of students who can join a division in a given year.
What is the difference between the three divisions?
Appellate Advocacy (Moot Court) competitions involve appellate advocacy. Competitors write a brief and then argue their case before a panel of judges, who score the advocates based on their skills. As the participants progress into higher rounds, they argue both “on” and “off” their written brief. People who enjoy written advocacy and prefer the conversational style when responding to judges’ questions may enjoy this type of competition. It is very similar to the oral advocacy exercise conducted during the first-year Legal Research and Writing courses.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) competitions involve advocacy skills in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and client counseling settings. Competitors are attorneys or clients in hypothetical situations (usually disputes) who must balance a strong result for their client with ethical interest-based negotiation. A panel of observers scores the advocates based on their skills. Participants work either individually or in teams, and always against another student or team of students. Students who enjoy negotiating and are interested in the broader spectrum of dispute resolution processes may prefer this type of competition.
Trial Advocacy (Mock Trial) competitions involve trial advocacy. Competitors are lawyers in hypothetical cases held before judges and juries, who score the advocates based on their skills. The trials are essentially simulations of real-life litigation. Participants present evidence, examine witnesses, and give opening and closing statements. Also, competitors must follow the rules of evidence and court (civil or criminal) procedure. If you enjoy a good courtroom drama and like a jury's captive audience, you may prefer this type of competition.
What’s the time commitment like as a member of Barristers’ Council?
The time commitment varies. Around the time of your competition, you may meet with your teammates and coach for a few hours a couple of times a week. As a member, you will help with tryouts and other competitions. Division directors can work with members' schedules when assigning them to a competition.
How much do tryouts cost?
The cost of one competition is $35, the cost of two competitions is $60, and the cost of three competitions is $85. We do have a fee waiver program (see below), and tryout fees are usually the only cost our members pay.
When does registration open?
January 19, 2024, at 5:00 PM. Register at this link.
What if I can’t pay the tryout fee?
If you face severe financial hardship please email our Managing Director Isabel Turner (barristers.managing@gmail.com) and our Faculty Advisor Sarah Stanley (svs6@georgetown.edu) with a request for a fee waiver.
How much do I have to pay each year as a member?
Nothing. We have no annual dues, and we typically cover all tournament registration fees, accommodation costs, and travel costs.
Do I have to tryout for all three divisions?
No, you can try out for as many or as few as you like.
Can I tryout for more than one division?
Yes, but please keep in mind that if you receive an offer for more than one division, you will need to choose which division's offer you plan to accept after all tryouts are complete and you may not participate in any later tryouts.
Can I be a member of more than one division?
No. You can only be a member of one division. If you receive an offer from multiple divisions, you can only accept one and you may not participate in any later tryouts.
I’m a 2L/2E/3E, can I tryout?
In the spring semester, you can try out for either the ADR or Trial Advocacy Divisions. You cannot tryout for Appellate Advocacy in the spring; however, the team will host an upperclassman tryout in the fall semester called the Leahy Competition.
I’m a 3L/4E/LLM, can I tryout?
In the spring semester, you cannot try out because you will graduate before you can compete. The only opportunity for 3L/4E/LLMs to join Barristers' Council is in the fall semester (the Leahy Competition).
What will I do during tryouts?
The tryout format varies from division to division. Each division will host an information session before tryouts begin to explain the competition format and selection criteria.
How many people make the team?
It varies from year to year, and from division to division. Each division usually takes between 20-35 new members in the spring semester.
Is there a GPA requirement to join?
No. We do not consider the GPA. We only consider the merit of your advocacy skills demonstrated during tryouts.
If I make the team, what are my obligations as a member?
Every member must compete in an external competition at least once before graduation (and adequately prepare for that competition). Additionally, members will assist other teams in preparing for competition, help with all tryout and external competitions their division hosts, and any other obligations division directors set for their members.
If I have more questions, what should I do?
Come to our showcase, check out our website or email our Managing Director at barristers.managing@gmail.com
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