UCLA School of Law
Wilson Elser is honored to sponsor the awards for Best Brief and Best Oral Advocate at this year’s 19th Annual Williams Institute Moot Court Competition at UCLA School of Law – the nation’s premier moot court competition focused exclusively on sexual orientation and gender identity law. The competition brings together law students from across the country to showcase their advocacy skills, drafting appellate briefs and arguing before distinguished panels of attorneys and judges on cutting-edge legal issues. Past competitions examined the constitutionality of issues such as conversion therapy, religious exemptions in higher education, and access to gender-affirming care. This year's problem addresses an asexual school librarian’s rights under Title VII and the First Amendment.
It was inspiring to witness the passion and talent on display at yesterday’s rounds at UCLA School of Law. A special congratulations to Stella Leitner from the University of New Mexico School of Law, who was named this year’s Best Oral Advocate. We also extend our congratulations to Samantha Kerns and Demre Inanoglu from Columbia Law School for receiving the award for Best Written Brief—an outstanding accomplishment. Los Angeles Partner Otis Felder, who also serves as Cochair of Wilson Elser’s LGBTQIA+ ERG, presented the awards on behalf of the firm, along with the co-judged quarter and semi-final rounds, with Ben Davis (Partner-Los Angeles) and Shirley Jin (Of Counsel-Los Angeles), also judging other rounds. The final round and award for best overall team will be held on April 4, 2025, at the Institute’s Annual Update Conference.
Wilson Elser is proud to support the next generation of legal advocates who are shaping the future of LGBTQIA+ rights and equality.