Competing in this event will test your skills and provide an invaluable opportunity
to meet and interact with other law students interested in energy and sustainability
as well as industry professionals and government regulators.
Our Competition features:
Outstanding Judges
The bench in the final round has previously included U.S. Court of Appeals judges, U.S. District Court judges, and a former state Supreme Court Justice. Earlier rounds are judged by experienced energy and environmental lawyers practicing in the region.
Geographic Diversity
Our competition has grown from six teams in 2011 to 25+ teams annually from throughout the country. Past finalists include teams from Duquesne, Texas Tech, North Dakota, Florida State, Kentucky, LSU and Louisville. Other past participants include teams from Maryland, Houston, Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Utah, Pittsburgh, American, Catholic, and Pace.
Four Rounds of Preliminary Competition
Our format guarantees that each team will participate in a minimum of four preliminary rounds before the field is narrowed to 16 teams.
Problems Featuring Real World, Current Issues
Our problem each year focuses on current issues facing the energy industry. Past problems have been based on energy and sustainability issues associated with the gulf oil spill; the nuclear incident at Fukushima Daiichi; shale gas development and the Clean Air Act; and the intersection of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and common law nuisance claims associated with utility power plants.
Accessible Location
Our mid-Atlantic location makes it relatively convenient for competitors from throughout the country. Morgantown is within a 500 mile radius of half of the nation’s population, and an easy 75-minute drive from Pittsburgh’s airport.
Prominent Energy & Sustainable Development Program
The WVU College of Law features extensive course offerings in energy and sustainable development, including a J.D. concentration in Energy and Sustainable Development Law and a dual-degree J.D./LL.M. in Energy and Sustainable Development Law. Our experienced faculty of energy, environmental and sustainability scholars produce the problem each year and actively participate in the competition.