The 2017 Spring Appellate Advocacy Competition needs judges!

During the spring semester, all first-year students argue before a mock appellate court as part of their required legal writing course. We seek practicing lawyers and judges to critique student performances so that our 1L’s can get their first glimpse into life in the profession. We would be honored if you have time to help our students with this important event in their 1L year. 

Sign Up to Be a Judge

We are seeking judges for the following times:

  • Saturday, April 8: 8:30 a.m.−12:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 8: 1:00 p.m.−5:00 p.m.
  • Monday, April 10: 5:15 p.m.−9:15 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 11: 5:15 p.m.−9:15 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 12: 5:15 p.m.−9:15 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 13: 5:15 p.m.−9:15 p.m.

This year’s problem involves trademark infringement. It turns on the likelihood of confusion between Lamborghini’s Del Toro (bull) trademark and American Expedition Vehicles’ American Bison trademark. Lamborghini and American Expedition Vehicles are existing companies, but many of the facts and the litigation itself are fictional. No experience in intellectual property or trademark law is necessary. Judges will receive additional information including potential questions and arguments approximately two weeks before the arguments.

If you have any questions or are having trouble signing up, please call Sheri Riggle at (517) 432-6818 or email me at francis@law.msu.edu.

http://www.law.msu.edu/rwa/judge.html