Moe Levine Trial Team

Students who want to become trial lawyers and want additional practice opportunities may join the Moe Levine Trial Team.  Named for the late Morris (Moe) Levine, a trial advocate who inspired the growth of trial advocacy education, the Team’s primary purpose is to advance the art of trial advocacy by preparing for and competing in regional and national trial advocacy competitions.  The Team also competes in the Hugh B. Pearce Competition against the team from the Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg.  Team membership is open to all students.  The role of Advocate is determined by the Member’s competency in trial advocacy, knowledge of the Rules of Evidence, and ability to dedicate time and energy to the Team.  As an Advocate, you will participate in training sessions and workshops as you prepare for competitions all under the tutelage of experienced attorney coaches.  You will develop your trial skills in a fun, competitive environment and earn credentials valuable to employers. 

Everyone who joins the team will be a Member.  Those with the prerequisite courses and aptitude can try-out for the position of Advocate and participate in National Trial Competitions.  Advocates earn one (1) course credit for participating in a regional or national competition.  1L and 2L evening division Members can compete in the Moe Levine 1L Closing Summation Competition held during the Spring semester.  2L students will have the opportunity to compete in-house in the Moe Levine 2L Mock Trial Competition.  All Members will be called upon to assist in the Team’s events throughout the academic year, including serving as witnesses in the national competitions.

Preparation for trial competitions involves hard work, dedication, and discipline; only those students who demonstrate those skills will be selected as Advocates to compete on the Team.  Students interested in becoming Advocates must have completed courses in Evidence and either Trial Methods or ITAP (Intensive Trial Advocacy Program).  The art of being a trial lawyer is a lifelong endeavor.  Why not start now and develop your unique skill set to advocate in a courtroom setting?

Contact Information

Professor John E. Savoth
Director, Moe Levine Trial Team
(302) 477-2285
jesavoth@widener.edu

Professor Judy Ritter
Director, Taishoff Advocacy, Technology & Public Service Institute
(302) 477-2121
jlritter@widener.edu