Three judges of Nebraska's Court of Appeals recently assisted law students in sharpening their oral advocacy skills by serving as judges for the final round of Nebraska College of Law’s Grether Moot Court Competition.

Judge Riko Bishop, Judge Larry Welch, and Judge PaTricia Freeman presided over the final round, held October 30 in the Court of Appeals courtroom. Judges evaluated competitors' legal analysis, oral advocacy, and ability to respond to questions from the bench, while also providing participants with valuable feedback drawn from their judicial experience.

The annual competition gives law students the opportunity to participate in mock appellate proceedings that closely mirror real-world oral arguments. Through the experience, students develop critical skills in legal research, written advocacy, oral presentation, and responding to judicial questioning, all essential components of appellate practice.

This year's final round challenged competitors to argue a complex constitutional issue involving the First Amendment. Students addressed whether a journalist, in this case a social media influencer, may claim a privilege in a federal criminal trial to avoid revealing the identity of a source who provided information about a criminal defendant.

The final round featured law students Nithya Rajagopalan and Ramey Vachal, who argued opposing sides of the issue before the judicial panel. Following the competition, the judges shared observations and feedback to help the students continue developing their advocacy skills.

The competition was overseen by Professor Anthony Schutz. Law students Grace Turner and Sam Harres served as competition chairs, and Ally Stewart, Deputy Clerk of the Nebraska Supreme Court and Nebraska Court of Appeals, served as bailiff.

Photo: Judges Larry Welch, Riko Bishop, and PaTricia Freeman (back row, left to right) joined finalists Nithya Rajagopalan and Ramey Vachal (front row, left to right) following the final round of the Grether Moot Court Competition at the Nebraska College of Law.