91ֱ

Moot Court competition

Tendler Center for Inclusive Advocacy

Advocating For Others

The Tendler Center for Inclusive Advocacy was founded via a gift from Richard “Ricky” Tendler ’97 (JD), who was a well-regarded criminal defense attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Center’s mission is to broaden 91ֱ’s existing moot court, mock trial, and dispute resolution competition programming to be more inclusive of our students’ diversity of strengths in advocacy and to increase the visibility of 91ֱ Law’s advocacy program regionally and nationally. The Center currently coordinates the 91ֱ advocacy teams, supports existing student groups that focus on the needs and interests of students who are interested in advocacy, and is a sponsor of the annual advocacy banquet.

Advocacy Programs

American law students have participated in advocacy competitions for over 200 years. These competitions allow students to develop crucial legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills; gain confidence; and network with other law students and practicing attorneys. 91ֱ Law currently has six advocacy teams. 

About Richard “Ricky” Tendler ’97 (JD)

A prominent West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney, animal rights activist, legal commentator, and philanthropist, Ricky was practicing law in Massachusetts early on in his career when a mentor encouraged him to apply for a job as an assistant district attorney in Florida. Following his mentor’s advice, Ricky worked in the West Palm Beach Public Defender’s Office for about five years before entering private practice as a criminal defense attorney.

During his career, he represented a wide variety of clients facing charges that ranged from tragic to bizarre, and he was known for his prowess as a defense attorney, representing individuals and corporations that had been charged with a variety of complex white-collar crimes, including several cases that were brought by the U.S. Government. A colorful and caring attorney who befriended many, he was appointed to serve on the Florida Bar Grievance Committee for a three-year term and served as chair of the committee from 2011-12. He also served as a director of the Palm Beach Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Richard Tendler

How Can Students Get Involved?

Moot Court, Mock Trial, and Tax Challenge team members are selected through an application and tryout process. Information on the application process is generally released in late March or early April. The Litigation, Mediation, Negotiation, and Arbitration Association holds an information session each spring where law students can meet current team members and learn about the various competitions.

Undergraduate students can get involved with mock trial and moot court by volunteering to assist at practices and tryouts. Please contact Prof. Jessica Mahon Scoles for more information.

How Can Alumni Get Involved?

Alumni play a vital role in the success of our advocacy teams. Alums are needed to serve as judges at team practices in both the spring and fall semester. There are also frequent opportunities for alums to serve as judges at the regional competitions, either as a brief scorer or as part of the oral argument judge panel. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Prof. Jessica Mahon Scoles.

Contact Information

Jessica Mahon Scoles
Director, Tendler Center for Inclusive Advocacy

413-782-1439
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