L to R: Grace Best, Atticus Keane, Alden Kelly, Betsy McMullen, and Evan Slupe

Each year, Catholic Law first-year students who are interested in joining the Moot Court Association (MCA) participate in the annual SoapBox competition. The competition gives students a taste of appellate advocacy and an opportunity to test their skills in a lower-stakes environment.

On Saturday, February 3, first-year students competed in a round-robin style tournament—with MCA members in their second and third years acting as judges. The judges for the final round were Grace Best (3L - Moot Court Chief Development Officer), Betsy McMullen (3L - Moot Court Chief Officer for Recruitment), and Evan Slupe (3L - Chancellor of Moot Court). Atticus Keane and Alden Kelly were the tournament’s top two finishers in a field of 20 competitors. Ultimately, Kelly went on to win the competition, but both were extended offers to join MCA's 2024-25 competition team.

Betsy McMullen, shared "Thank you to all those who participated in this year's Soapbox Competition! I was so deeply impressed by every competitor I saw and am grateful for the opportunity to watch these skills develop and grow. A special thank you to our incredible Moot Court team and all the judges and bailiffs who made the day so successful."