2022-2023 Semifinalist Profile: Sam Gordon '24

Sam Gordon is a 2L from Concord, Massachusetts. Over the course of the competition, Sam has represented both parties, first on behalf of the Government in the Qualifying Round, and then most recently for the Appellant, Mr. Wood, in the Semifinal Round.

We asked Sam a few questions about his experience competing in the Stone Moot Court Competition this year:

Stone Director: Walk us through how you prepare for oral arguments. Do you have any routines or practices you've stuck with throughout the competition?

Gordon: The first step is just getting a feel for the case and trying to answer the legal questions for myself, regardless of which side I have been assigned to advocate for. The Directors did a great job of crafting an interesting and nuanced problem, so just when I started feeling like I had a decent grasp of the issue, a new detail would come up and flip the case on its head. I went down several Lexis rabbit holes, and did my best to keep a spreadsheet of cases and quotes that I found interesting along the way. The writing process was just trying to organize all that information into a single narrative that would hopefully allow the judges to feel good about finding for my client.

Stone Director: What other moot court experiences have you had and how has that/have those prepared you for this competition? What is different (either about the competition or about yourself)?

Gordon: I first thought about going to to law school when I participated in Moot Court for a high school social studies class. We had to prepare our own arguments for landmark cases such as Brown v. Board or Miranda v. Arizona, then come to class in a suit and tie, read our opening statement, and respond to questioning. Years later, law school has developed my research, writing, and advocacy skills, so the legal arguments I can make are much more refined. However, I still get the same excited feeling standing at the podium as I had back in Ms. Fox's class.

Stone Director: What has been your favorite part of the Stone Competition so far?

Gordon: I have most enjoyed engaging with the material alongside the other Moot Court participants and judges. Their technical prowess and creative arguments have been so impressive, and it puts the brilliance of our classmates and colleagues on full display. I appreciate the time and effort that everyone has poured into this process, and am thankful for all of the insightful feedback that has helped me develop my abilities.

Congratulations, Sam!