Moot court is a mock appellate case that is usually a simulated jury or bench trial. This activity usually includes the drafting of mock briefs and participating in oral arguments. Students research and prepare as if they were actual lawyers arguing the case. Moot court competitions are usually sponsored by organizations with interest in a certain area of law, and the issues are selected with that particular field in mind. Mock court cases can mirror current cases, while others are completely fictitious. These competitions are judged by legal practitioners or even sitting judges with expertise in the particular area of law being studied.
Law reviews, or law journals, are scholarly journals published by law student organizations. While an enriching experience, this activity is a major commitment that requires students to assist in the publication of a Law Review volume. Each student must also work on his own article for possible publication. It may be a lot of work, but participation in a law review or journal is one of the most significant resume-boosting academic activities in which a law student can participate.
One popular extracurricular activity for law students is the Student Bar Association (SBA). This is the student governing body of a law school. The local SBA acts as a liaison between the law school administration and the student body. It is broken up into different councils for planning events, including educational, social and community activities. Those interested in student government positions may enjoy this activity.
Volunteer work is another popular extracurricular activity that is a glowing addition to a law student's resume. It also shows a commitment to the local community in which that student may ultimately serve. Students can select volunteer experiences that emphasize their interest in a particular area of law as well. For example, students interested in family law might volunteer paralegal or administrative services for organizations offering pro bono legal work for low-income families. This involvement can benefit students when they begin looking for work in those specific fields.