Judge NELMCC 2026

About the Competition

The Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition (NELMCC) will take place in person beginning Thursday, February 19, through Friday, February 20, 2026. Semifinal and Final round is scheduled for Saturday, February, 21, 2026.

The Competition is distinctive in that three adverse teams argue the issues, reflecting the fact that environmental litigation frequently involves multiple parties — the government, a public interest group, and a member of the regulated industry.

Rounds Oral arguments will be held live at The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, 78 North Broadway, White Plains, NY.Judges evaluating the oral arguments include attorneys with environmental law expertise, local attorneys and judges from the nation’s courts. Final round judges are members of the federal and state benches and the US EPA’s Environmental Appeals Board.

The Final Round will take place in the Gerber Glass Moot Court at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law on on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:30noon EST.

The Problem Each year the legal problem involves timely issues of national importance and/or international importance to the practice of environmental law.

On the Web Information on current and previous NELMCC competitions are available at our

FAQs

I don't live in NY, can I judge?Yes. If you are at licensed attorney and able to physically attend our moot court, you may judge.

Do I need expertise in environmental law in order to judge? No; we have found that having judges from diverse legal backgrounds greatly enhances our competition. Whatever your field of practice or experience, your service as a judge will be a tremendous benefit to our students.Judges are sent a bench brief before oral argument that concisely outlines the current applicable law and suggests questions for each side. While the bench brief, plus the competition problem itself, provides all of the information that you will need to judge.

I never judged a moot court before, am I qualified? Yes, if you are a licensed attorney. If this is your first time judging NELMCC, we will try and place you alongside- experienced judges in the courtroom. You will also be provided with instructions and materials in advance to pre-read so you are familiar with the problem.

What does a Competition Judge do? As a judge, not only do you get to meet distinguished legal professionals and alumni from around the country, but you also will have an influential role on young law students and soon-to-be graduates. The duties of a judge are serving as a member of a three to four person panel for student oral arguments. Students will present opposing sides in a case heard before a fictional federal circuit court of appeals. Judges listen to the arguments and pose questions to test the strength of the student's logic. Some questions may help students in articulating an argument, and other questions may challenge application to a new fact pattern. After competitors have presented, judges will evaluate the competitors' performance and have an opportunity for informal discussion with students to provide them feedback. You will not read the actual briefs written by the competitors, but you will be given a bench memo written by the Moot Court Board to help acquaint you with the issues.

I am a Law Professor, may I judge NELMCC?If your school is not participating in NELMCC, you may judge. You must honor the rules of the competition. You are not allowed to share the bench memorandum with anyone or use it for academic purposes.

What are other requirements to Judge NELMCC

- Takes judging commitment seriously and attends on time

- Follows bailiff instructions during rounds

- Be courteous, and offer constructive valuable critique. Competitors worked incredibly hard to prepare for NELMCC.

Please refrain from the following (before, during and after rounds):

-Remain professional at all times

-Abstain from jokes and inappropriate subjects of any kind

-Do not discuss politics or individual ethnicities

-Do not provide advice on clothing attire

-Do not comment on physical appearance, even if its meant as a compliment

-Do not share your personal views of our country, politics, the world or your career

-The students are here for a positive lawyering experience and should be treated respectfully

Are there CLE Credits for Judging NELMCC?

Attorneys admitted to the New York Bar for more than two years may earn two general practice credits per round of judging. Attorneys in other states need to check with the state's CLE department to determine if they can submit NYS credit. Attorneys must sign in and out on the attendance sheet before and after each round of judging in order to receive general CLE credits.

This year we are pleased to offer a live NYS Ethics CLE presentation Friday, February 21, at 1:00 PM. More information to follow.

How do I donate to NELMCC?

Please click here to donate via credit card. Please make sure to click on NELMCC as the area you would like to support. Or you can mail a check to NELMCC office: Pace Law, 78 N. Broadway, NELMCC Office, White Plains, NY 10603. All donations are welcomed. Thank you for your generosity.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please contact Lorraine Rubich at [email protected] with any questions or refer to our website.

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