Approximately 150 seniors from over 70 high schools throughout Nevada attend this one-week program. For information on the program, visit www.nevadaboysstate.org/. Thirty of these delegates are chosen to participate in the Moot Court. This program provides an appellate advocacy experience that focuses on First Amendment speech in the public school context (using the Pickering standard). Since the study of law is not generally part of the high school curriculum, this experience is often the students’ first real introduction to the legal system. After intensive in-class discussion and drafting of arguments, the program culminates with the students’ oral arguments at the Nevada Supreme Court, with the top speaker receiving a modest scholarship.
In addition to directing the Moot Court, I sponsor a student each summer. Sponsoring the Moot Court is an excellent opportunity for Nevada law firms to contribute to the state’s future by educating youth about the legal system. I ask that you and your law firm consider contributing in one of the following ways:
- Moot Court Delegate Scholarship: A donation of $200 provides a one-time scholarship for a high school student to attend Boys’ State and participate in the Moot Court. We hope to have the costs of all thirty Moot Court participants covered by Nevada law firms.
o NBS will include the firms name in our publicity materials and Honor Roll of Sponsors, as well as send out a press release to their community announcing the contribution to the program.
o The firm will also receive correspondence from the delegate(s) and be invited to the NBS Banquet that takes place on the final night of the program. - Moot Court Delegate Scholarship Endowment: A donation of $6,000 permanently endows a high school participant to attend NBS each year and participate in the Moot Court.
o The firm will be invited to participate in Moot Court activities, attend the banquet on the final night, and receive correspondence from the sponsored delegate. The endowed delegate will hold the title of the firm or a person of your choosing.
o In addition to publicity received for sponsoring a delegate, these firms would able to able to earmark this endowment to students from their local high schools and assist in the selection process. - NBS Moot Court Sponsor: Sponsoring firms will partner with Boys’ State and the Nevada Supreme Court to execute the Moot Court Program. The firm will cover the Moot Court’s operational costs ($3,000), which include photocopies, Moot Court champion scholarship, transportation to Carson City, and so forth.
o The firm will be invited to participate in teaching appellate advocacy, judging the oral arguments, and/or providing lawyers as guest speakers. The level of involvement is at the firm’s prerogative.
o The Moot Court would be titled after the firm, and NBS would include the firm’s name in our publicity (website, press releases, etc.).
I hope you will join me in supporting Nevada Boys State and, in particular, the Moot Court. To do so, please make your tax-deductible donation via the “Donate Button” below. Please include your law firm name and contact information. Personal donations of any amount are of course always appreciated.
On behalf of over 6,000 Nevada Boys’ State Alumni, and for all future Nevadans who will attend Boys’ State, I thank you for your support. Please donate hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions.