3.14.23 —The art of appellate advocacy was in clear evidence in Phoenix last week as Maria Martinez ’24 and Valerie Orellana ’24 participated in the 2023 Uvaldo Herrera National Moot Court Competition, sponsored by the Hispanic National Bar Association. The Northeastern Law team argued in two preliminary rounds and won the Best Brief Award (for the petitioner). The moot court problem was based on the pending US Supreme Court case Students for Fair Admissions v. Presidents and Fellows of Harvard College — the students were tasked with preparing an appellate brief on behalf of the petitioner.

“It was an incredible opportunity to participate in this competition, and overall affirming to be surrounded by so many Latinx law students and attorneys. We are so proud to have been a part of this team, practice oral arguments, and receive feedback from so many esteemed Northeastern faculty, staff, graduates and other members of the legal community along the way. We hope that our participation inspires other Northeastern Law Latinx students to get involved in moot court as well,” said Martinez and Orellana in a joint statement.

“Maria and Valerie worked tirelessly on their brief and practicing and fine-tuning their oral advocacy. They successfully researched and analyzed case law to craft comprehensive and persuasive arguments as representatives of the petitioner. Their brief was a stand-out, both technically and substantively. They represented Northeastern Law proudly, and it was a pleasure to observe their professionalism, effectiveness and grace throughout,” said Professor Ana Rivera, the team’s faculty coach.

About Northeastern University School of Law

The nation’s leader in experiential legal education since 1968, Northeastern University School of Law offers the longest-running, most extensive experience-based legal education program in the country. Northeastern guarantees its students unparalleled practical legal work experiences through its signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. More than 1,000 employers worldwide in a wide range of legal, government, nonprofit and business organizations participate in the program. With a focus on social justice and innovation, Northeastern University School of Law blends theory and practice, providing students with a unique set of skills and experiences to successfully practice law.

For more information, contact d.feldman@northeastern.edu.