After four prior rounds, the finalists for the 2024 Van Vleck Moot Court Competition were determined. Meet all four finalists and learn more about their experiences at GW Law. The final round will take place on Thursday, January 25. See more information about the final round here.
Tessa Lasser, For Petitioners
1. How does it feel to be a finalist in the 2024 Van Vleck Moot Court Competition?
It feels wonderful to be a finalist in Van Vleck. I remember watching the Van Vleck finals as a 1L and feeling super impressed and intimidated, so it feels crazy that I am now the one in this position.
2. Is there a particular class or experience at GW Law that has helped you prepare for this competition?
The First Year Moot Court Competition was a great experience for me to practice oral advocacy. Additionally, my College of Trial Advocacy class helped me feel even more comfortable speaking in front of people and responding on the spot.
Simon Poser, For Respondent
1. How does it feel to be a finalist in the 2024 Van Vleck Moot Court Competition?
I'm absolutely thrilled to be a finalist for Van Vleck, and cannot wait to compete in the final with my phenomenal partner. It's been such a rewarding experience thus far, and I'm so grateful to GW Law for the opportunity to get to argue in front of such a distinguished panel of judges.
2. Is there a particular class or experience at GW Law that has helped you prepare for this competition?
I would say my 1L Civil Procedure class prepared me a lot for the competition. My professor Paul Berman told us we should always be open-minded to arguments on every side of an issue, and focus on the key facts that make similar cases come out differently. I also think the 1L skills competitions and my College of Trial Advocacy course with Professor Saltzburg prepared me well for thinking on my feet during oral arguments and cemented my love of litigation.
Samantha Raggio, For Petitioners
1. How does it feel to be a finalist in the 2024 Van Vleck Moot Court Competition?
I am thrilled to be a Van Vleck finalist, especially alongside such an incredible partner. After watching Van Vleck as a 1L and 2L, it feels surreal to now participate in the finals. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and to my peers, fellow competitors, and GW Law faculty who have supported me along the way.
2. Is there a particular class or experience at GW Law that has helped you prepare for this competition?
Participating in the Fundamentals of Lawyering program as both a 1L student and a Dean's Fellow has thoroughly prepared me for this experience. My 1L experience set the foundation for both brief writing and appellate advocacy. In my current role as a Dean's Fellow, I've rediscovered fundamental legal writing principles that have been invaluable throughout this experience.
Angela Seeger, For Respondent
1. How does it feel to be a finalist in the 2024 Van Vleck Moot Court Competition?
It feels great! Participating in this competition has been an honor, and I am looking forward to a great oral argument.
2. Is there a particular class or experience at GW Law that has helped you prepare for this competition?
Taking Civil Procedure with Professor Paul Schiff Berman has prepared me the most for the competition. He is a brilliant professor who challenged me to be creative and think outside of the box. His cold calls, in many ways, are just like an oral argument.