Closing Argument Competition

Investing in Advocacy. Shaping the Future of the Legal Profession.

About the Competition

For nearly a decade, HGD Law Firm has proudly hosted the Annual Closing Argument Competition, bringing together some of the brightest future advocates from Birmingham School of Law, Cumberland School of Law, and The University of Alabama School of Law. Now in its 9th year, this competition reflects our firm's unwavering commitment to excellence in trial advocacy, legal education, and the future of the profession.

What began as an opportunity to challenge aspiring trial lawyers has grown into one of the premier advocacy competitions for law students in Alabama. Through this event, HGD provides participants with a unique opportunity to develop and showcase one of the most critical skills in litigation: persuasive courtroom advocacy.

Why Advocacy Matters

At its core, the legal profession is built on advocacy. Whether representing injured individuals, protecting constitutional rights, or resolving complex disputes, lawyers serve as advocates for those who need a voice. Effective advocacy requires more than legal knowledge—it demands critical thinking, storytelling, persuasion, confidence, and the ability to connect with jurors.

The American Bar Association and legal educators nationwide consistently recognize experiential learning and advocacy training as essential components of legal education. While students spend years mastering legal theory, opportunities to practice courtroom skills in realistic settings are invaluable to their professional development.

The HGD Closing Argument Competition was created to help bridge that gap.

2026 Registration Information

Ready to join this year's competition? Click below for event dates, times, and registration details.

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Investing in the Future of Law

At HGD, we believe the future of the legal profession depends on developing skilled, ethical, and passionate advocates. Today's law students will become tomorrow's trial lawyers, judges, legislators, and leaders.

By hosting this competition, we provide participants with an opportunity to:

Strengthen public speaking and persuasion skills
Gain experience presenting before a jury
Develop confidence under pressure
Receive feedback from experienced legal professionals
Network with practicing attorneys and judges
Experience a realistic trial advocacy environment

More importantly, students gain insight into the responsibilities and challenges that come with representing clients and seeking justice.

Closing Arguments Competition - Heninger Garrison Davis

HGD Closing Argument Mock Trial Competition

A Firm-Wide Commitment

One of the aspects that makes the HGD Closing Argument Competition truly unique is the level of involvement from our entire firm.

This event is not simply sponsored by HGD—it is powered by HGD.

Attorneys, paralegals, case managers, legal assistants, administrative professionals, and support staff all volunteer their time to create an authentic courtroom experience. Team members serve in a variety of roles, including:

Mock jurors
Competition judges
Timekeepers
Event coordinators
Evaluators and scorers
Registration and logistics support

This firm-wide participation demonstrates HGD's belief that developing future advocates is a responsibility shared by the entire legal community.

A Real-World Advocacy Experience

Each participant receives a trial problem and is asked to deliver a closing argument before a mock jury that may include judges, attorneys, legal professionals, and community members.

Participants are randomly assigned to represent either the plaintiff or the defense and must present a persuasive closing argument based on the facts provided.

The competition is designed to simulate the realities of trial practice while allowing students to focus exclusively on advocacy. There are no evidentiary objections, enabling competitors to concentrate on organization, persuasion, courtroom presence, and effective communication.

Closing Argument Photos

Past Competitions

2025:

HGD Closing Argument Competition Finals Draw Spotlight on Emerging Advocates

2024:

Cumberland Students Sweep Top Honors at HGD's 8th Annual "In Summation" Closing Argument Competition

2023:

2022:

2019:

2018:

2017:

HGD Holds Awards Presentation for 3rd Annual “In Summation” Closing Argument Competition