The NIU Moot Court team advanced to the quarterfinal round of the recent National Moot Court Competition to cap off its “successful” season.

The team of Kevin Buick, Brenda Covey, and Herb Klein advanced to the quarter-finals by defeating the University of Wisconsin and Notre Dame, but lost to Southern Illinois University, the eventual winner.

“I’m always pleased to see the team advance to the quarterfinals,” said Leonard Mandell, faculty adviser for the team and assistant dean of the College of Law. The competition, held in Indianapolis, IN, was the third and final event of the season. “It’s nice to be recognized for your briefs and arguments.”

In moot court competition, opposing teams are given a fact pattern about a fictional case. The teams research the relevant case law, compile a brief, or summary of the case, and ready their arguments.

Each team must be able to argue for or against the pending case. The case is argued and rebutted in front of “the Supreme Court”—a panel composed of attorneys and judges. Winners are judged on oral presentations and briefs.

The national competition consisted of 14 schools from the Midwest region. Each school sent two teams to the competition. The winners from regions across the country advance to compete for the national title in New York.

Mandell, who has advised the team for seven years, said he believes this season has been the most successful since he began advising the team.

Team competitor Covey said, “I thought the season was very successful. It shows that we are a solid moot court school.”

The Moot Court Society had teams advance in three competitions this year. “To advance in all three competitions is terrific for the program and speaks well for the student body,” Mandell said.

Earlier this season, NIU advanced to the semifinals in the John Marshall Moot Court Competition and Chicago Bar Association Moot Court Competition.