Regional Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition (TMMCC)
The Regional Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition (TMMCC) consists of a maximum of 18 teams made up of two advocates per team. Teams will write briefs arguing on behalf of petitioner and respondent. Regional competitions will simulate an appellate oral argument proceeding. The top three placing teams from the regional convention will be invited to compete at the National Convention Advocacy Competition. For each round, oral arguments are evaluated on the competitor's overall ability as an appellate advocate. Each team consists of the two advocates per side speaking for an allotted time of no more than 30 minutes, including rebuttal. After each side articulates their argument, the judges score each competitor using the official TMMCC rubric. Overall, each round lasts no more than 1 1/2 hours from start, to finish.
2026 Moot Court Advocacy Competition Title Sponsor
COMPETITORS IN ACTION
2025 TMMCC WINNERS
1st place: Florida International University
2nd place: University of Tennessee
3rd place: Georgia State University
Best Petitioner Brief: Wake Forest University
Best Respondent Brief: Florida International University
Best Respondent Brief: Georgia State University
Best Oralist: Ayanna Grant from Georgia State University
A Message from your Moot Court Director...
Ashia Davis,
Dir. of Moot Court
J.D. Candidate 2026
Vanderbilt Law School
Hello everyone, my name is Ashia Davis and I am honored to be serving as your Director of Moot Court for this year.
Moot Court can sound intense — standing up, getting questioned by judges, defending your argument. And yes, it is a challenge. But it’s also incredibly rewarding.
This is your chance to step into the role of an advocate, to put your preparation to the test, and to prove to yourself that you can think on your feet and speak with clarity and purpose. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being ready, staying grounded, and finding your rhythm when it matters most.
Moot Court will challenge your assumptions, push your limits, and sharpen your skills. Moot court creates a space where clear thinking meets real advocacy — where you’re asked to think rigorously, argue fearlessly, and trust your voice.
There’s power in that.
But, here’s the thing, it is fun! There’s something exciting about a great back-and-forth with a judge. There is something satisfying about making a point that sticks. It’s meaningful to know you rose to the occasion — and that you did it with your own voice, insight, and hard work.
No matter how the rounds go, you’re already gaining something valuable. You’re learning to command a room. You’re becoming more confident, more professional, more precise. You’re learning to listen, to respond, to shape conversations. You’re becoming a sharper writer and a stronger thinker.
These aren’t just the skills of a litigator — they’re the tools of a leader.
So as you step into this competition, remember: you belong here. You’ve earned this moment. And I cannot wait to see the advocate you continue to become.
With gratitude and in service,
Ashia Davis
2025–2026 Director of Moot Court
Southern Region Black Law Students Association