University of Houston Law Center student Emory Powers and Farhan Mohiuddin (not pictured) put their advocacy acumen on display at the 13th First Amendment and Media Diversity Law Competition.
Feb. 25, 2021 – University of Houston Law Center students Farhan Mohiuddin and Emory Powers competed in the recent 13th First Amendment and Media Diversity Law Competition, sponsored by the American Bar Association, reaching the semifinal and final round respectively.
“The ABA First Amendment and Media Diversity Law Competition was a fantastic opportunity to argue in front of experts in the media field, including judges from the Fifth and Ninth Circuits,” Powers said. “I was able to dive into complex issues within media law and compete alongside skilled students from across the country.”
“The ABA First Amendment and Media Diversity Law Competition provided me with a platform to compete against some of the brightest students with diverse backgrounds from law schools around the nation,” Mohiuddin added. “For anyone interested in oral advocacy, these types of experiences in law school truly refine your skills from a very early point in your career.”
Mohiuddin and Powers were each named as one of the top four brief scorers and qualified to advance to the semi-final round and present oral arguments. Powers advanced to the final round and was awarded the Carolyn Forrest Moot Court Recognition of Achievement.
“It allowed me to meet and obtain feedback on my written and oral advocacy skills from prominent and experienced practitioners in the legal field,” Mohiuddin said. “Our success in this competition would not have been possible without the support of the UHLC Moot Court Team and faculty members.”
Mohiuddin expressed gratitude for the diligence and perseverance of their mentors, instructors and competition partners, noting that while the competition was held virtually, the support and encouragement of colleagues prepared them to be successful advocates.
“This competition is an especially important opportunity for our students,” said Jim Lawrence, Executive Director of the Blakely Advocacy Institute. “The top four students in the competition are offered summer employment opportunities through the generous support of ABA Forum sponsoring organizations.”
