The C. Edwin Moore Moot Court Competition is a hallmark event at Drake Law School, offering first-year students a platform to hone their oral advocacy skills. From navigating complex legal arguments to presenting compelling cases before panels of seasoned judges, this competition serves as a stepping stone for aspiring legal advocates. Today, we spotlight some of the past few winners and their stories.
2024: Cierra Jackson
For Cierra Jackson, the 2024 winner, the competition was more than just an academic exercise—it was a moment of affirmation. “I knew well before C. Edwin Moore that I wanted to be a litigator,” Cierra shared. “However, the competition absolutely helped with affirming that passion and reminding me that I am on the right path.”
Cierra’s favorite moment came after competing in the final round, surrounded by her peers who came to cheer her on. “On one arm, I had Karrecia Crawley and on the other, Nadia Valentine, both holding on to me tight,” she recounted. “The previous C. Edwin Moore winner and a previous First-Year Oral Advocacy Competition (FYOA) winner, both cheering for me. That was truly the best part for me.”
Reflecting on the competition, Cierra noted the challenge of balancing the rigorous demands of law school with the time and energy the event required. “It was absolutely worth it,” she concluded. “I am excited to keep growing and strengthening my skills here at Drake Law.” With aspirations to begin her career in public defense and ultimately serve as a judge, Cierra embodies the spirit of dedication that the competition fosters.
2023: Karrecia Crawley
Karrecia Crawley, the 2023 winner, had a transformative experience that reshaped her career goals. “Prior to law school, I wanted little to do with the courtroom,” she admitted. “Now I don’t think I would enjoy being out of it.” The competition helped Karrecia realize her passion for litigation and solidified her plans to pursue a career as a criminal defense or civil rights attorney, ideally at a non-profit organization.
A particularly meaningful moment for Karrecia was helping Cierra Jackson prepare for her own victory the following year. “It was nice to know that I had learned so much and could pass it on to the next person who ended up winning,” she said. “I think if 1Ls have the capacity, they should think about competing,” she advised.
2022: Kendra Sparby
For Kendra Sparby, the 2022 winner, the C. Edwin Moore Competition was a defining moment early in her law school journey. “Getting the opportunity to argue the final round at the Iowa Court of Appeals in front of the Iowa Court of Appeals Judges was definitely the highlight of the competition for me!” Kendra shared. “Being half a semester into my first year of law school and getting to experience something like that was a really cool opportunity. It is a great program that Drake puts on, and it’s really nice that the Iowa Court of Appeals Judges volunteer their time to help 1Ls improve their appellate advocacy skills.” Kendra also emphasized the value of participating in the competition for incoming students. “I would highly encourage incoming 1Ls to participate in C. Edwin Moore. The confidence you gain from the experience, the feedback you get from the judges, and the feeling of accomplishment you get from yourself makes it worth it—even with a full schedule of 1L courses!”
The C. Edwin Moore Moot Court Competition continues to be a pivotal experience for Drake Law School’s first-year students. Whether participants aspire to join the moot court team or pursue careers in litigation, this competition equips them with critical skills that last a lifetime.