TAX SECTION’S NATIONAL TAX MOOT COURT COMPETITION RETURNS TO STETSON IN JANUARY

Volunteers needed to judge briefs and preliminary rounds

Registration is open for The Florida Bar Tax Section’s 2027 National Tax Moot Court Competition, a longstanding section tradition that gives law students from across the country an opportunity to put their tax law knowledge and advocacy skills to the test.

The competition will take place January 21–23, 2027, at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, bringing together aspiring tax lawyers, experienced practitioners, and judges for three days of written and oral advocacy, professional development, and networking.

“For the Tax Section, this competition is about much more than determining a winner,” said Tax Section Chair Michael Wilson of Williams Parker in Sarasota. “It is an investment in the future of our profession. Students gain meaningful courtroom experience, build relationships with tax lawyers and judges, and develop the practical skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their careers.”

Each team must consist of two or three students who are full-time J.D. or joint J.D./LL.M. candidates at the time of the competition. Students who have already earned a J.D. and are pursuing an LL.M. are not eligible. Teams will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of a completed registration form and the $900 registration fee. Registration is open at this link.

Tax Section members Eric Kauk of Kauk Law in Tampa and Alexandra Prati of Hill Ward Henderson in St. Petersburg are co-chairing the 2027 competition.

“Moot court gives students the chance to take what they have learned in the classroom and use it the way practicing lawyers do — researching complex tax issues, developing persuasive written arguments and defending their positions before a panel of judges,” Kauk said. “Just as importantly, students have an opportunity to meet and learn from tax practitioners and judges from around the country. Those experiences and relationships can have an impact well beyond the competition itself.”

Attorneys Needed to Judge Briefs and Preliminary Rounds

The Tax Section is also seeking attorneys to volunteer as judges for written briefs and preliminary competition rounds. Brief judges will receive the briefs on November 23, and scores will be due on January 18. On January 21 and 22, preliminary round judges will evaluate student arguments, provide feedback, and help create the courtroom experience that is central to the competition. Preliminary round judges will receive CLE credit for their volunteer service. Attorneys interested in volunteering should contact Professor Brooke Bowman at [email protected].

“Education is one of the most important ways our section serves the tax law profession, and that includes creating opportunities for the next generation,” Wilson said. “We encourage our members and other attorneys to volunteer as judges. Sharing their experience with these students is a meaningful way to give back to the profession while helping prepare talented future lawyers for practice.”

The competition is designed not only to strengthen legal research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills, but also to expose students to the broader tax law community and the professional opportunities available within the field.

Key Dates

• August 25, 2026: Registration opens

• September 17, 2026: Registration closes

• September 21, 2026: Competition problem released

• November 23, 2026: Appellate briefs due

• January 21–23, 2027: National Tax Moot Court Competition at Stetson University College of Law

The competition continues the Tax Section’s longstanding commitment to legal education, professional development, and cultivating future leaders in tax law.

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