Tag: Moot Court

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Thank You to the Participants of the 2025 Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition

Over the course of two days – in-person on October 17, and over Zoom on October 18 – law students from across the country participated in the 2025 Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition (TTMC).  A total of 28 teams from 11 states competed in three regional competitions, showcasing exceptional advocacy, composure, and legal reasoning. To make these competitions possible, 78 members of the bench and bar marked a total of 133 score sheets across 12 rounds.


Background

The Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition was named in honor of Judge Thomas Tang of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and Dr. Pearl Tang. The competition provides law students with a platform to hone their advocacy skills while engaging with the Asian Pacific American legal community. The competition was sponsored by the NAPABA Law Foundation and NAPABA Judicial Council, and remains one of NAPABA’s signature programs for fostering mentorship, excellence, and representation among the next generation of advocates.

AABANY’s Contributions

AABANY is proud to share that many of our members volunteered as judges and bailiffs for the Regional, held on October 17, 2025 at the St. John’s University campus in New York City. Our members generously devoted their time and mentorship to the aspiring attorneys, providing detailed feedback to the law students, asking provoking and critical questions about the case. 

The volunteer judges included federal and state judges, as well as seasoned litigators and practitioners. They offered meaningful advice in vital areas such as argument construction, speaking, composure, and presentation. Many students shared that the feedback and support they received from practitioners were among the most meaningful parts of their competition experience.

AABANY also co-sponsored the luncheon with the law firm of Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, where participants enjoyed a spread of delicious sandwiches, beverages, and snacks. 

During the lunch, Jennifer Wu (AABANY Board Director), Judge Pamela Chen (AABANY Member), and Judge Jennifer Choe Groves shared their experience and advice with the students. Jennifer Wu recalled her own time as a competitor in the Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition, where several judges had told her, “You should be a litigator.” She humorously noted that one of the things she did particularly well was conceding at the right time, a small but important skill in advocacy. Reflecting on those memories, she spoke about the lasting mentorship she received during her time as a law student and her wish to pass that mentorship forward to the next generation.

Judge Chen and Judge Choe Groves echoed those sentiments, encouraging students to approach advocacy with confidence, humility, and openness to learning. Their words underscored the importance of community and the enduring relationships that the Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition helps build among judges, practitioners, and students.

About This Year’s Competition

The participants of this year’s regional rounds showcased exceptional preparation and professionalism. The participants shared creative arguments, thoughtful responses to questioning by judges, and showcased quick critical reasoning, as well as composed presentation. The atmosphere reflected the shared commitment of both students and volunteers to learning, growth, and community-building.

This year’s moot court problem addressed an interesting issue at the intersection of many current issues surrounding technology, intellectual property, copyright, and art: Who owns the copyright of an artwork created with the assistance of artificial intelligence? The case challenged participants to wrestle with questions of authorship, originality, and the evolving role of human creativity in the age of AI.

The top 18 teams from the regional competitions have advanced to the National Competition, which took place during the NAPABA Convention on November 7–8, 2025. The team that won the national competition was Audrey La and Josh Shimabukuro from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. They were the same team that won the regional competition round in New York.

We extend our gratitude to all those who made this competition possible, from the volunteers, judges, attorneys, and law student, to the TTMC National Committee and local coordinators. Your generosity of time and spirit continues to uphold the legacy of Judge Thomas Tang and ensures that mentorship, excellence, and inclusion remain at the heart of this program.

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NAPABA Law Foundation | Your Fall Scholarship, Fellowship, and Moot Court Opportunities

We’re excited to share new opportunities for law students and future leaders this fall. From scholarships and fellowships to the annual Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition, there are many ways to advance your legal journey and deepen your connection to the AANHPI community. Explore the details below and be sure to mark your calendars for key deadlines.

Scholarships

This fall, you can apply for four scholarships through one application, ranging from $2,500–$7,500.

  • NLF Scholarship – $5,000; based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and service to the AANHPI community
  • NLF Presidential Scholarship – Two awards of $7,500; selected by the NAPABA President for outstanding leadership
  • The Low Family Scholarship – $2,500; for demonstrated leadership and/or community service
  • LimNexus Scholarship – $2,500 awarded to one student
Frequently Asked Questions
2025 Scholarship Application

Community Law Fellowship

The NAPABA Law Foundation Community Law Fellowship addresses the critical need for public interest attorneys serving AANHPI communities.

This two-year fellowship (September 2026–August 2028) offers:

  • $60,000 annual salary + $10,000 completion bonus
  • Employment, health, and fringe benefits through the Host Organization
  • Substantive legal experience at a nonprofit, national, or community-based organization

Want feedback on your project before the application is due? Submit a one-page Prospectus by Monday, December 1, by 5 pm ET, for feedback from the selection committee.

Fellowship Details & Instructions
Submit a Prospectus

Judge Thomas Tang and Dr. Pearl Tang Moot Court (TTMC) Competition

Registration for the 2025 Judge Thomas Tang and Dr. Pearl Tang Moot Court Competition is now open! This annual competition fosters crucial advocacy skills among law students nationwide. This year’s topic is Artificial Intelligence.

Timeline:

  • Registration Closes: September 10, 2025
  • Brief Submission Deadline: October 3, 2025
  • Regional Rounds:
    • In-Person: October 17, U.S. Court of International Trade, NYC (12 teams max, first come)
    • Virtual: October 18 (assigned once in-person fills)
  • Nationals: November 7–8, 2025, at the NAPABA Convention in Denver, CO

NLF awards the top winners in brief writing and oral advocacy at the Regional Competitions. Up to $10,000 in scholarships are given to the top winners at the National Competition.

The registration fee is $500 per unsponsored team (self-funded by students) and $850 per sponsored team (funded by law school or affiliates). Local NAPABA Affiliates and National Associates are encouraged to sponsor teams.

2025 Online Entry Fee
2025 Online Registration

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Register Now: 2024 Judge Thomas Tang and Dr. Pearl Tang Moot Court Competition

Deadline to Register: August 25, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST

Registration is now open for the 2024 Judge Thomas Tang and Dr. Pearl Tang Moot Court Competition! This is the 31st anniversary of an annual tradition that fosters crucial advocacy and legal skills among law students nationwide.  

This year students will need to satisfy two new requirements in order to compete:

  1. Each competitor must be a member of an Asian American/Pacific Islander bar association (e.g. APALSA chapter at a law school, NAPALSA, NAPABA, a NAPABA local affiliate, South Asian Bar Association, Korean American Bar Association, etc.); and
  2. Each competitor is required to submit a short written statement (no more than 150 words) addressing the legacy and/or impact of Dr. Pearl Tang and/or Judge Thomas Tang on the competitor personally and describing the competitor’s commitment to supporting the Asian American/Pacific Islander community in the future.

Teams will be able to choose between online and in-person regional competitions. Regional Competitions will be held on the following dates, subject to possible changes at the discretion of the National Committee:

  • Regional 1 | In-person in Dallas, Texas: Friday, September 20, 2024
  • Regional 2 | In person in Los Angeles, California: Saturday, September 21, 2024
  • Regional 3 | In-person in New York, New York: Friday, September 27, 2024
  • Regional 4 | Virtual on Zoom: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Learn more and register

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

This year, we are encouraging local NAPABA Members, Affiliates, and National Associates to sponsor moot court teams, including providing support by paying registration fees for teams, providing coaching on written and oral advocacy skills, and paying for students’ travel to compete in regional and national competitions. Each law school is limited to two teams but local NAPABA Affiliates and National Associates are not limited in the number of teams they may sponsor. Students are encouraged to reach out to local NAPABA Affiliates and National Associates to obtain support from sponsors.  

Please note: attorneys and/or judges who coach law students may not judge the moot court competition in the same year.

Click the images below to download flyers you can share.

Quick Links

2024 Official Rules

2024 Online Entry Fee

2024 Online Registration

2024 TTMC Problem

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All Rise! An Appeal for Moot Court Judges

The ABA Law Student Division would like to invite you to judge the National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC) in Brooklyn on February 22-24, 2024, at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Register Here

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. Register Here

The rounds are scheduled as follows:
Round 1: Thursday, February 22 (3:30 pm-7:45 pm)
Round 2: Friday, February 23 (3:30 pm-7:45 pm)
Round 3: Saturday, February 24 (8:30 am-12:45 pm)
Round 4: Saturday, February 24 (1:00 pm-3:30 pm)
Round 5: Saturday, February 24 (3:30 pm-6:00 pm)

For your colleagues across the country, there are also regionals in Boston, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco!

Direct any questions to:

Erica M. Zepeda
American Bar Association
Program Manager, Early Career Strategy
Law Student Division
321 N. Clark, Chicago, IL  60654
T: 312.988.5671
erica.zepeda@americanbar.org

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Judges Needed for Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition

If you are an attorney attending the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Convention in Chicago this year, we request that you volunteer to serve as a judge in the preliminary and/or quarterfinal rounds of the 2018 Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition (Competition).  The Competition is an appellate advocacy competition sponsored annually by the NAPABA Law Foundation, an IRC § 501( c )(3) non-profit, charitable and educational affiliate of NAPABA.  This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Competition!  The Competition honors the late Judge Thomas Tang, a champion of individual rights, an advocate for the advancement of minority attorneys, and an ardent supporter of NAPABA.  Judge Tang served on the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals from 1977 until his passing in 1995. To learn more about the competition, click here.

This year’s problem addresses the following issues:

  1. Whether a state university may impose disciplinary sanctions on a student for non-curricular expressive conduct otherwise protected by the First Amendment in order to protect the expressive rights of other.
  2. Whether a state university may expel a law student based on university officials’ determination that her off-campus expressive activity, otherwise protected by the First Amendment, violates the professionalism standards governing attorneys.

The information for the preliminary and quarterfinal rounds is as follows:
Date:  Friday, November 9, 2018
Time:  Preliminary Round One (9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.), Preliminary Round Two (11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.), and Quarterfinal Round (2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
Place:  Sheraton Grand Chicago (301 E. North Water St., Chicago, IL 60611)

Please register online at https://www.wejoinin.com/sheets/dicpm to judge one or both of the preliminary rounds and/or the quarterfinal round.  Although the sign-up sheet is getting full, please consider signing up to be an alternate in the event someone needs to make a last minute cancellation. Once you register, you will be emailed the problem, the bench brief, the rules and the oral argument scoring sheets.  Please report to the Tennessee meeting room located on the second level at least 20 minutes before your scheduled round to obtain your room assignment.  We ask that alternates also report to the Tennessee meeting room 20 minutes before your scheduled room to determine if your services are needed for the Competition.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Linda Tran (linda.tran.m37t@statefarm.com) or Leah Gould (gould.leah@gmail.com).

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Volunteer for Thomas Tang Northeast Regional Moot Court Competition

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Law Foundation presents its 2018 Thomas Tang Northeast Regional Moot Court Competition, and is in need of volunteers. This competition provides a unique and memorable experience for student appellate advocates. The event allows law students to showcase their writing and oral advocacy skills, and also to compete for scholarships totaling $10,000. In summary, this year’s problem is on whether a state university has the right to impose disciplinary sanctions on a student for non-curricular expressive conduct, and if it may expel a law student for off-campus expressive activity. For more information on this year’s problem, click here. 

The event will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018, from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the United States Court of International Trade, One Federal Plaza, New York, New York. NAPABA seeks volunteers for grading briefs and for day-of. Brief graders will review and score briefs submitted by the student teams before the competition, and the time commitment is flexible. Day-of volunteers are welcome to assist for either part of the event or the entire day, and will serve as bailiffs or judges for the oral argument rounds. For a complete schedule of the day’s events, click here. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Zoe Wong, the Northeast Regional Coordinator, at ThomasTangMootCourtNE@gmail.com. For more information, please visit NAPABA’s website here. 

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Thomas Tang Moot Court – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Thomas Tang Moot Court – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

The Thomas Tang Competition, held by the NAPABA Law Foundation, is open to all law students but is especially designed to reach out to APA law students and provide them with an opportunity to showcase their writing and oral advocacy skills and compete for scholarships totaling $10,000.

Competition rules, problem text and registration available online at the link above.

  • Northeast Regional – Washington D.C., September 30, 2016 – October 1, 2016
  • National Rounds – San Diego, CA at NAPABA Convention, November 4-5, 2016

The Thomas Tang National Moot Court Competition was founded in 1993 by the APA Law Student Association of the South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas. It is administered by the NAPABA Law Foundation and the NAPABA Judicial Council. The Competition honors the late Judge Thomas Tang, a champion of individual rights, an advocate for the advancement of minority attorneys, an ardent supporter of NAPABA and the moot court competition. Judge Tang served on the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals from 1977 until his passing in 1995. Judge Tang’s wife, Dr. Pearl Tang, continues the legacy and participates every year.

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