Sweetser Law Office Closing Argument Competition
March 1, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Prizes:
- First place: $3,000
- Second place: $2,000
- Third place: $1,000
About the Competition
The Sweetser Closing Argument Competition is an exciting educational event presented by Sweetser Law Office, a Spokane personal injury firm. Prizes are awarded to participants selected by a jury panel of trial attorneys. The purpose of the competition is to provide law students an opportunity to display their trial presentation abilities and hone their oral advocacy skills.
Learn more about Sweetser Law Office.
Competition Rules
Eligibility
The competition is open to all Gonzaga Law Students. Participants must be full- or part-time seeking a J.D. at Gonzaga Law School. Please note that participants cannot receive classroom credit for participating in the competition.
Competition Format
Participants receive a fact pattern and jury instructions one (1) hour before their closing argument. Participants are allotted a maximum 15 minutes for closing argument. Arguments are video-recorded and reviewed by an experienced judges panel. Participants receive a copy of their recorded argument and written feedback from judges.
Entry Submission
Click the button below to register for the competition. Space is limited. If the maximum participation cap (30) is reached, additional interested students will be placed on a waitlist and 3Ls will be given priority.
Entry Review
The closing arguments are video recorded and evaluated by a panel of experienced judges. Participants receive a copy of their recorded argument and written feedback from judges.
Reception and Winners
The finalists will be announced at the award reception on April 2, 2025.
Compliance and Decisions
The competition committee may refuse to consider entries that do not comply with the competition rules. Competition committee decisions will be final.
Rule Revisions
The competition rules may be revised or supplemented by the competition committee or Gonzaga Law School at any time before or up to the start of the competition.
Questions
Please feel free to reach out to Carol Osenga, osenga@gonzaga.edu if you have any questions about participation or volunteering at this event.