Schedule of Important Events and Dates

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Record Release

Monday, Nov. 2, 2009,  5:30 PM  to website

The record to this year’s competition, involving the case Lee v. Louisiana, will be posted to the McBaine Honors Moot Court Competition website. (https://www.law.berkeley.edu/board-of-advocates/internal-competitions/mcbaine-moot-court-competition/2009-2010-mcbaine-competition/).

Information Session

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, 12:45 PM (Boalt 145)

Monday, Nov. 9, 2009 12:45 PM (Boalt 145)

Professor Fernholz and Co-Directors Joel Wallace and Brent Nakamura will host information sessions to discuss this year’s competition, share some tips with interested competitors, and answer any questions. Although 1Ls cannot compete, they are welcome and encouraged to attend and find out what McBaine is all about.

The information presented at will be identical at both sessions. If you cannot attend either session for good reason, please e-mail and we will schedule an appointment with you at a mutually convenient time. (mcbaine.competition@gmail.com)

First Batch of Side Preference Sheets due

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009  12:00 p.m.  375 Law Building

Students who are sure they will be participating may submit a side preference sheet by this date. We cannot promise that all students will be assigned to their preferred side, but once assigned, students may start drafting their brief.

Side Assignment Release I

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009  5 p.m.  via e-mail

The first batch of side assignments will be released.

Second Batch of Side Preference Sheets due

Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 12:00 PM,  12 p.m.  375 Law Building

All other enrolled students must submit side preference sheets by this date.

Side Assignment Release II:

Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009,  7:00 p.m.  via e-mail

The second batch of side assignments will be released. Once your assignment is released, no drops will be allowed.

Class Conflicts Sheet due

Monday, Jan. 18, 2010,  5:30 p.m.  via e-mail

Final competitor list released to participating students

Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010,  5:00 p.m.  via e-mail

Office Hours with Joel & Brent

Jan. 19 – Feb. 4, 2010

We will be available to meet in person to discuss any questions or concerns with the problem, brief-writing, etc. E-mail appointments preferred (mcbaine.competition@gmail.com), but drop-ins are welcome as well.

Tuesday 1/19 2:00PM – 3:30PM
Thursday 1/21 11:00AM – 12:30PM
Tuesday 1/26 2:00PM – 3:30PM
Thursday 1/28 11:00AM – 12:30PM
Tuesday 2/2 2:00PM – 3:30PM
Thursday 2/4 11:00AM – 12:30PM

Draft Brief due for comments. (Tentative) 

Feb. 5, 2010

If you are submitting a draft of your brief, you must provide one hard copy and one electronic copy to Joel and Brent. We will provide further information and hard deadlines at the beginning of the second semester.

Final Briefs Due

Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, 12:00 PM to 375 Law Building

Final briefs are due to Professor Fernholz’s office by Noon. Bring four bound copies formatted to the specifications discussed in the McBaine Rules. E-mail a copy to both wfernholz@law.berkeley.edu and mcbaine.competition@gmail.com.

Office Hours with Joel & Brent

Week of Feb. 8, 2010,  specific dates and times TBA

We will be available to meet in person to offer advice or listen to snippets of your oral arguments. Appointments preferred, setup via e-mail to mcbaine.competition@gmail.com, but drop-ins are welcome as well. A final schedule of these office hours will be posted by Thursday, January 28, 2010.

Preliminary Oral Arguments Rounds I & II

Week of February 15-18, 2010, Rooms and times TBA

Quarterfinal Oral Arguments

Monday, February 22, 2010, 6:30 p.m., Rooms TBA

Semifinal Oral Arguments

Thursday, February 25, 2010,  6:30 p.m.  Rooms TBA

All competitors and Boalt 1Ls are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Final Oral Arguments

Thursday, March 4, 2010,  5:00 p.m.  Location TBA

The entire Boalt Community is welcome and encouraged to witness Boalt Hall’s finest as they make their cases before Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Diane Wood and two other distinguished jurists. A private reception for invitees, honored guests, and final round competitors will follow.