"After 30 years spent in courtrooms in Texas, ... I am comfortable that SMU's emphasis on how to think as opposed to what to think has been instrumental in procuring justice for a number of deserving clients."
- Frank Branson '69, '74
Partner, Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, PC
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Moot Court/Mock Trial Competitions

Students at the law school have many opportunities to participate in oral advocacy competitions.

The Board of Advocates (BOA) is a organization led by an Executive Board composed of students and a faculty sponsor. The BOA's primary purpose is to promote practical experience in written and oral advocacy through a variety of competitions throughout the school year, and a Mock Trial Academy during the summer. The competitions are an excellent source for students desiring "real world" advocacy exposure and experience.

The BOA coordinates intramural mock trial, moot court, negotiation, client counseling, and mediation competitions which are open to all SMU law students, as well as the Jackson Walker Moot Court Competition for all first year students. These competitions are judged by local practitioners and members of the law faculty. The BOA also sponsors student teams for various state, national, and international interscholastic mock trial, moot court, negotiation, client counseling, and mediation competitions.

The BOA office is located at room 24B in the lower level of Storey Hall.