Georgina Tierney '27 and Daniel Kim '27 Compete in the 2026 Maynard Pirsig Moot Court Honors Tournament

Georgina Tierney ’27 and Daniel Kim ’27 argued before Justice Theodora Gaïtas '94, Justice Sarah Hennesy, and retired Justice G. Barry Anderson ’79 of the Minnesota Supreme Court in the final round of the Maynard Pirsig Moot Court Honors Tournament earlier this month. Tierney took top honors, winning this year's tournament. 

The standing-room-only argument showcased exceptional advocacy, with both students earning high praise for their performance, recognized for both the strength of their analysis and the polish of their delivery.

Named in honor of former Law School Dean Maynard Pirsig ’25, the tournament is the capstone of the Law School’s flagship Moot Court course: Civil Rights Civil Liberties Moot Court. Students are selected for the competition based on their oral advocacy skills developed over the year-long course. Leading up to the final round, four semifinalists presented arguments at the Minnesota Court of Appeals before panels of appellate judges.

The course also culminates in a “best brief” competition. This year, Anna Morrison ’27 received top honors, followed by Andy Kowalczyk ’27 in second place and Nolan Zhu ’27 in third. The case problem centered on a First Amendment challenge involving a plaintiff who alleged that a police officer interfered with their ability to record a protest.

“Year after year, members of our highest courts tell our students they are better than practicing appellate attorneys,” said Professor Randall Ryder ’09, director of the Moot Court Program. “The quality of the best brief submissions likewise demonstrates that our students are writing at the highest level.”