About the Competition

The Energy and Mineral Law Moot Court Competition is an inter-law school appellate moot court competition sponsored by the Appalachian School of Law (“ASL”) and the Energy and Mineral Law Foundation (“EMLF”). It is held in Lexington, Kentucky, in conjunction with the EMLF Fall Symposium. Moot Court Competition participants are invited to attend the sessions and events of the Fall Symposium.

The purpose of the Competition is to develop expertise in appellate advocacy on issues related to energy, environmental, and natural resources law. The Competition is coordinated by the Energy and Mineral Law Moot Court Board, which is composed of ASL faculty, staff, and students from the ASL Moot Court Board and the Natural Resource Law Center, and the Executive Director of EMLF and her appointees. 

The Rounds: Each team is guaranteed three preliminary oral argument rounds before esteemed EMLF practitioners and attorneys with environmental law expertise, local attorneys, and judges from the nation’s courts. In between rounds, students are encouraged to attend the EMLF fall symposium for additional professional development and networking opportunities.

The Problem: Each year the problem focuses on timely legal issues facing the environmental and energy sector. Past problems have been based on energy and sustainability issues associated with jurisdictional waters under the Clean Water Act, agency deference following Loper Bright v. Raimondo, the 2024 Phase Two NEPA Rules, and the reach of environmental justice concerns.

Sponsorship Opportunities

E-mail Anna at anna@emlf.org for more information about becoming an event sponsor. Your generosity and support is always appreciated.