ALA members act as judges, with actual Appellate Court Justices judging the semi-final and final rounds. Past judges of the Semi-Final and Final rounds include: Justice Donald C. Hudson, Justice William E. Holdridge, Justice Nathaniel R. Howse, Jr., Justice Margaret Stanton McBride, Justice Michael B. Hyman, Justice Mary K. Rochford, Justice Maureen Connors, Justice Sharon Oden Johnson, Justice Cynthia Cobbs, Justice Jesse Reyes, Justice Mary L. Mikva, Justice Judy Lynn Cates, Justice Mary Anne Mason, Justice Freddrenna Lyle, Justice Ramon Ocasio, III,  and Justice Terrence Lavin of the Appellate Court of Illinois.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Platinum Level

Taft is a modern, progressive firm that is the trusted advisor to many successful clients and an employer of choice in each of our major markets. Our attorneys listen and understand that innovative, value-creating solutions help our clients reach their goals. Our collaborative approach, advanced technological resources and depth of services can transform what you expect from your legal team. 

The firm practices across a wide range of industries, in virtually every area of law, including: Business, Business Restructuring, Energy, Environmental, Finance, Health and Life Sciences, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Litigation, Public Affairs Strategies Group, Private Client, Real Estate, and Tax law. Since 1885, Taft has looked forward to delivering results for our clients, communities, and each other. To learn more, visit Taftlaw.com.

Silver Level



The National Law Journal named Clifford Law Offices one of the 50 Elite Law Firms in the country, and we are the only firm in Chicago to be given this distinction. The National Law Journal has also named the firm as one of the top 10 Litigation Boutiques in the country. And in 2020, Clifford Law Offices was named “Aviation Law Firm of the Year” by the same organization and ALM. This recognition was awarded due to our ongoing success in representing our clients as well as our solid track record of client wins.

 

For nearly two decades, Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth LLC has been one of Chicago’s pre-eminent civil litigation law practices. DBMS frequently and successfully tries complex, high-exposure cases in the country’s most challenging jurisdictions. The firm focuses on the areas of professional liability, product liability, insurance coverage, commercial litigation and appeals. DBMS’ approach to litigation is highly responsive to the goals and needs of the clients. Each client and each case is treated uniquely as the firm and the client develop the best approach to litigation strategy. DBMS is proud of its reputation among judges, colleagues and opponents as an aggressive and thorough firm that is highly professional in its conduct of litigation. The firm’s superb record at trial encourages opponents to try and resolve matters early in the litigation process.

Laner Muchin represents management in employment-related litigation, labor relations, employment law counseling, employee benefits, executive compensation, business immigration matters and corporate transactions and commercial litigation.

Law Offices of Michael Rathsack

The Appellate Lawyers Association of Illinois is offering your firm a chance to receive national recognition through its annual Moot Court Competition.  Click here for more information.  

Attention ALA Members! Be Part of the Moot Court 2025 Team

Planning for the ALA moot court competition is underway and we want you to be a part of the team that makes this competition stand above the others!  We hope you will be a part of the competition this year by grading briefs and serving as a judge on November 7 & 8. 

Please complete the Judge's Registration Form.  

2024 HIGHLIGHTS

First Place Overall Competition Winner
University of California College of Law, San Francisco

TESTIMONIALS

“The Appellate Lawyers Association is moot court at its finest!  I am fortunate to have met and competed with talented law students, intelligent attorneys, and prestigious judges from all over the United States.  The entire process enhanced my appreciation for the courtroom, the appellate practice, and the law.” - Moot Court Student Participant

"I enjoyed participating in the ALA competition this year.  The judges that we argued before were particularly helpful with their feedback." - Moot Court Student Participant

“Using experienced appellate lawyers as judges is far more valuable to our moot court students than are trial-lawyer judges who often don't understand the difference between advocacy to a jury and advocacy to a panel of judges. Your judges were superb.  I've never seen a more well-prepared group of judges." - Moot Court Faculty Advisor