2026-2027
Team Captains
Maddie Coe
Moot Court has been one of the most rewarding and impactful experiences of my college career. Before Moot Court, I never expected advocacy and public speaking to become such a big part of my life. Through competition, preparation, and working alongside an amazing team, I have gained confidence, strengthened my speaking skills, and discovered a genuine passion for the law. Moot Court has challenged me in the best way and introduced me to an environment that constantly pushes me to grow.
Sean Newman
I LOVE MOOT COURT! Moot Court is the perfect environment to take on and apply legal studies during undergraduate years. At the pinnacle of the event, the advocate reaches a flow state where the high levels of knowledge and confidence they have built up intersect to allow the demeanor of a true Doctor of Jurisprudence to be revealed before they’ve been given the title. But beyond the career, it is the scholarship, culture, and connections that the Moot Court team fosters which gives it the ultimate appeal, especially during such formative years in life. And the food and traveling doesn’t hurt.
Mariana Escamilla
My moot court journey didn't start with a win; it started with a lot of stumbling. Early on, I really struggled to find my footing under the pressure of judges questioning, and the idea of public speaking. After a lot of trial and error, I learned from my peers and coached and improved!Watching that hard work pay off and earning the trust of my peers to become Team Captain has been incredibly rewarding. More than anything, moot court taught me how to trust my own voice.
Kathryn Dearing
I first learned about what Moot Court was while touring colleges. When I firsted started at UNT, I made sure to try out as soon as possible. Being on the Moot Court team has been a wonderful experience, not just for sharpening my advocacy skills, but also for getting to know tons of wonderful people.
People often get nervous to give their arguments. My advice is to not seek perfection, trust me, it's a blessing and a curse. Seeking perfection can help to push yourself, but can also hinder your confidence. You don't need to be afraid to mess up, it's apart of the natural steps to being a better mooter!
Grey Shriner
My time in moot court has not only fostered my passion for the legal field but has also made me a better advocate. My experience on this team has gotten me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to think critically under pressure. What’s truly special about moot court is not just the competitions; it’s the team itself. We are a community of people who motivate each other and push each other to be better. Moot court is an environment that encourages both academic excellence and a sense of community.
Whether they are organizing tryouts, running practices, or chaperoning competitions, our Team Captains help keep UNT Moot Court running.
If you are interested in trying out for the team, reach out to a Team Captains for help with understanding case law, developing your argument, and refining your presentation.
2025-2026 Executive Council
Austin Boyd
President
I love Moot Court because it teaches soft skills like dedication and public speaking alongside hard skills like legal reasoning and case law reading. Moot Court can be either very lighthearted, team-focused or it can be an outlet for your competitive drive!
I didn't even consider pursuing law until last year; it's never too late to hop in and join!
Patricia Rocha
Vice President
Moot Court has been a transformative experience for my oral advocacy skills, case law comprehension, and confidence. It is more than competitions; Moot Court is a space to advance intellectually by learning to prepare for anything and where I found my passion for the law.
Something people may not know about Moot Court is how it turns your mental wheels outside of practice or competition. I catch myself thinking of case law and precedent in everyday conversations! Here's a pro-tip for those interested: treat any question from a judge as a way to steer the conversation back to your strongest point.
Sean Newman
Treasurer
Moot Court is a great environment to apply learning from my studies in my Political Science major and minors in Philosophy and Communications. I love studying persuasion and am proud to be part of a great team of legal scholars who share similar passions.
Julia Daniel
Secretary
Participating in Moot Court has sharpened my public speaking & advocacy skills by pushing me to think on my feet when responding to complex legal questions under pressure. Through repeated oral arguments, I've learned how to present my ideas with clarity, precision, and confidence before panels of experienced judges.
One thing people may not realize about Moot Court is how collaborative it is; behind every oralist is a team that helped shape arguments during practice. Here's a pro-tip: never underestimate the importance of knowing the record as it is often key to handling tough questions.
Maitlynn Burk
Media Manager
Moot Court has been amazing for helping me better understand how to read and interpret our laws and constitutional rights. It has pushed me to make logical arguments with clarity. I truly believe the work I've done here will prepare me for law school and my dream to make the world a better place for everyone.
One tip for dealing with nerves is to think of this activity as casual, intellectual conversation with peers.
2024-2025 Executive Council
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Quinn Kelly
President
My name is Quinn Kelly and I am a senior majoring in Political Science with a Legal Studies in Business with a legal studies certificate. This will be my fourth year on the UNT Moot Court Team, and I cannot adequately express how excited I am to be serving as President for this team. I have wanted to be an attorney since age 8 and Moot Court has become a beloved and crucial stepping stone on that journey for me. Outside of the Moot Court team, I enjoy yoga, pilates, consuming any form of true crime media, and boating. I am eagerly anticipating working on the team with you all next season!
Logan Metcalf
Treasurer
Hello, my name is Logan Metcalf, and I am the Treasurer of UNT’s Moot Court team. As far back as I could remember I have been fascinated by the field of political science and everything that falls under its umbrella, including law. This led me to attend UNT where I am now studying political science as an undergraduate with intentions to attend law school after I graduate. I look forward to working with all members of the team to ensure we are all the best possible advocates we can be.
Ashlyn Dodson
Vice President
Hello! I am a senior at UNT majoring in political science and minoring in legal studies in business. Moot court is a great community with amazing opportunities and I am thrilled to serve as Vice President! When I’m not in school or serving pancakes at Seven Mile Cafe, I enjoy reading, singing jazz, and playing with my cat, Rant. I’m excited for an awesome year!
Patricia Rocha
Secretary
My name is Patricia Rocha, I am a sophomore and currently majoring in Political Science, double minoring in criminal justice and Spanish, with a legal certificate. I am a cosmetologist and love doing hair! I also love anything that has to do with animals and/or ice-cream.
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Abigail Casanova
Marshall
I am a political science major, with a minor in journalism. This will be my third year on the team. Some of my favorite things to do are fun crafts, writing, long distance running, trying new restaurants, and playing with my kitty. I'm super excited for the 2024-2025 season!