Introduction

The Upper-Level Competition is open to all GW students who are not first-year students. The Upper-Level is also the avenue for transfer students interested in joining the Board achieve membership, however, current board members may also participate. Unlike the First-Year Competition, those students who compete in the Upper-Level receive one academic credit for their participation, regardless of whether they advance further in the competition or make the Board.

Teams of two are required to prepare both sides, plaintiff and defense, of the assigned case packet. Teams are also responsible for securing and prepping volunteer witnesses. Volunteering to be a witness in the Upper-Level Competition is a great opportunity for 1L students to be involved in a trial competition, and learn about what to expect from the First-Year Competition in the spring. This year, George Washington is offering an optional course alongside the Upper-Level Competition. Taught by local practitioner, Mark Shaffer, the course will focus on basic trial skills and is tailored to the assigned case packet.

The competition takes place in October and is held at the law school. Student teams compete twice, once for each side, and are judged by local practitioners, professors, other legal professionals, and Board members. The best competitors advance to compete in semi-final rounds and one final round of the competition, and one outstanding competitor receives an award for Best Advocate.