You’re an MSU College of Law student with a good sense of justice — at least that is what your parents think, and since your family has a legacy in law, they would know.
You had to become a Spartan. Michigan State’s trial competitions stand out and the Moot Court Program alone ranked No. 1 in the country, for the second time in two years. What better way to learn about practicing law?
Now here you are as the courtroom door to the trial competition looms in front of you, with faculty, fellow law students and members of the bench and bar filing in. Gulp.
One deep breath, as you adjust the collar of your jacket and scan the facts. You have trained for this, spent sleepless nights studying for this, and now it is your time to stand up and make your case.
It is a case you really care about. There was an overwhelming sense of injustice, like a million red flags in a hurricane. Every lesson learned from your favorite law professor flew through your mind and you knew exactly how to make it right. You could... you would advocate for your client while representing MSU College of Law competition programs.
You turn the door handle and take your place next to other students until it is your turn to step out in confidence between judge and jury (or in this case, a full panel of prestigious lawyers, serving as competition judges).
Your voice trembles at first, but slowly you ground yourself in your argument. It all comes down to clear legal reasoning delivered with civility, to tip the verdict in your favor.
Today, you demonstrated the values at the heart of the law profession, with the added bonus of learning practical skills that helped you think on your feet and stay cool under pressure! The competition judges review your performance and offer feedback for your next trial.
It is an experience that you will carry with you for your entire career... which, by the way, starts with the networking opportunities you gained from that very competition day.
This is just one perspective of how a law student may experience one of multiple MSU Law competition programs (trial, appellate advocacy, negotiation and arbitration).
Students tackle cases that are at the trial level, both civil and criminal. Additionally, in Moot Court (appellate) competitions, students prepare briefs and argue both sides of complicated legal issues before the court — usually a simulated Supreme Court composed of federal and state judges, practicing attorneys and distinguished law professors.
Thomas R. Behm, MSU alum and attorney with Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC in Grand Rapids, can’t say enough about the value of the trial competition program.
“It's an exceptional program that is recognized across the country,” says Thomas. The competitions make Spartan lawyers stand out with their experience and expertise both in and out of the courtroom. It is a skill set that is needed to continue building a far better world.
“Many times as young lawyers, you don't get a chance to try cases,” says Thomas. “And we need to make sure that there's enough equipped lawyers out there, trial lawyers who can help people in need.”
So, when budget cuts threatened the continuity of the university’s trial competition program, Thomas made a gift to provide the necessary funds to keep the program going.
“My law career has been filled with enormous opportunity, and it is a privilege to be able to give back a little bit for what the college has given me,” says Thomas.
Service in the legal profession was always Thomas’ true calling, and he earned his J.D. from the Detroit College of Law (now the MSU College of Law). “The highest honor I believe one can have is the opportunity to represent someone in a trial or in a motion in a case in court.”
Now he is happy to share his experience and insights into the law with Spartans who aspire to the profession.
As a judge for the College of Law trial competitions, he encourages students to work on their craft, become the very best version of themselves, engage in civil conduct, become a pillar in their communities, respect others, go the extra mile for clients, and treat people along the way with respect and kindness.
“Even though we go to law school and we learn a lot there, you still have to really hone in your craft to become effective and capable,” says Thomas.
Thanks to his support, and the gifts of many other supportive Spartans, students continue to enter the competition courtroom year after year, to do just that: hone their craft, prepare to practice law, and make the world a far better place as the lawyers of tomorrow.
LEARN MORE about support for the College of Law by contacting Senior Director of Development Jacqueline Kontry at jkontry@msu.edu or calling (517) 432-6845. Check out the MSU Moot Court Competitions Program Crowdpower or visit this giving page to support the MSU College of Law Trial Competition Fund.