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.

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.

Thank you for your interest in the 10th Annual Closing Argument Competition.

HGD is excited to host our annual competition for local law students. We take great pride in this event and the learning opportunity it provides for students attending law school. Our goal is to encourage advocacy and reward law students for advancing their advocacy skills. Registration is limited to 20 participants. For that reason, any previous year’s top three winners will be ineligible to compete.

Each participant will be given a trial problem and asked to present a closing argument before a mock jury that may include judges, lawyers, and laypersons. There will be no evidentiary objections. Participants will be randomly assigned plaintiff or defense.

Registration

DATE: TBD

The competition problem will be posted two weeks before the first day of the competition.

The Competition

1st Round of Competition: 4:00 pm on 9/23 - 9/24/2026

20 participants
10 minute time limit
May reserve time for rebuttals

Final Round: 3:00 pm on 10/01/2026

Top 6 will advance to the final round
15 minute time limit
May reserve time for rebuttals

Rules

Judging Criteria

Score Sheet

Scores will range from 1 – 5 points in each of the following areas:

Proper Use of the Facts and Law
Presentation Skills
Courtroom
Presence
Persuasiveness

Maximum points = 20

Prizes

1st Place will receive $1,000 & an engraved plaque
2nd Place will receive a check for $750 & an engraved plaque
3rd Place will receive a check for $500 & an engraved plaque

Supplemental Instructions

No motions regarding facts or evidence will be heard.
No case law should be argued by advocates.
Jury instructions may be used in closing argument.
For purposes of this competition, no witnesses will be called to the stand to testify.
- Rather, the deposition transcripts contained within the packet are to be interpreted as the trial transcript.
- All witness statements are to be interpreted as though the facts contained therein were admitted throughout the course of this trial.
- All attached evidence has been deemed admitted throughout the course of trial.
Evidence may be used in closing argument. Large blow-ups of evidence are not permitted. Advocates may, however, hold up exhibits to show them to the jury.
Advocates are allowed to use dry erase boards and/or flip charts for demonstrative purposes in closing argument, should they choose to do so.
No facts or evidence shall be argued in closing that have not been admitted within the transcript. Reasonable inferences may be drawn from the facts within the problem. If a competitor believes their opponent has introduced evidence which was not contained in the problem, they may present such complaint to the bench judge after the round is complete.
Competitors which are not delivering their closing argument shall remain outside the courtroom at all times other than when they are delivering their own closing argument. Anyone else is welcome to attend.
Any questions about the case problem or trial competition may be emailed to Tzena Gauldin at [email protected]

Closing Argument Photos

Past Competitions

2025:

HGD Closing Argument Competition Finals Draw Spotlight on Emerging Advocates

2023:

2022:

2019:

2018:

2017:

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