Our Interview With Maci Kluesner, President Of Drake Law Moot Court Board

Maci Kluesner is the President of Drake Law Moot Court Board.

What inspired you to pursue leadership within this organization at your school?

My mentor for first-year oral arguments was the president of the Moot Court Board. Not only did she guide me through the intimidating process, but she remained a friendly face throughout the law school. The first year of law school is extremely challenging and I remember how comforting it was to have her in my corner. She became a role model to me and introduced me to my passion for oral advocacy. I served on the board as a junior member my 2L year, and I got the opportunity to be a mentor to the 1Ls. The mentorship aspect really gave me a purpose in law school, so I wanted to experience it at the greatest level. I ran for president and I was very fortunate to serve in that position during my last year of law school.

What skills can aspiring law students gain from joining an organization like yours?

Moot Court Board members gain far more than oral advocacy skills. They gain a lifelong network of mentors and attorneys who are extremely interested in seeing you succeed. Members gain leadership and organizational skills by putting on the first-year oral arguments. Additionally, students also learn how to connect with other students and guide them to being the best oral advocate that they can be. 

How has this Moot Court organization contributed to your law school admissions journey?

Unfortunately, I knew very little about the Moot Court Board before I entered law school. Originally, I was more interested in mock trial, but that was just because I had no idea what moot court or appellate advocacy was. Luckily, Drake Law was great place for moot court, and I was able to develop that passion. I encourage all law students to investigate their school’s Moot Court programs.

What advice would you give to pre-law students planning to join a moot court organization and soon applying for law school?

I would advise talking to any of the students already in the programs. Their advice will be the most honest you can get. I also recommend looking at your state’s supreme court oral arguments. There is no better way to learn than from watching the best, and most of the time they are posted online. Appellate advocacy is craft that is only strengthened by practice. It can be very nerve racking, but it is worth the risk of putting yourself outside of your comfort zone!

We're proud to interview student leaders like Maci Kluesner to help future lawyers understand the benefits of extracurricular involvement.