Hopefully these frequently asked questions about the Board of Advocates will give you all the
information you need. If your questions aren't answered here, please call or drop by the BOA office.

Q:  What is the Board of Advocates?
A: Welcome. The Board of Advocates, or the "BOA," is the premier student organization at the University of Tulsa College of Law. The BOA plays a vital role at the College of Law by promoting opportunities for the professional development of oral and written advocacy skills. The BOA is responsible for organizing and providing competitions by skill types and subject matter. The BOA also sponsors a number of upper-class competitions from which students are chosen to represent the College of Law in regional and national competitions. These students will compete with other law schools throughout the country. Membership in the BOA is offered to every TU law student in good academic standing.

Q: How do I become a member of the Board of Advocates?
A: Enrollment in the BOA is open throughout the academic year and membership is open to every student enrolled in and in good standing with the University of Tulsa College of Law. The BOA requires each member to pay $25 per school year for membership dues, although entering 1/2 L's receive a reduced rate of $10 for their first spring semester. Students can attend one of our information meetings, competition meetings, or come by the BOA office to join our organization.

Q: If I'm not a member of the BOA can I still participate in competitions?
A: No. You must be a member to compete.

Q: What are the benefits of being a member of the BOA?
A: Participating in the BOA is the best way to gain practical experience in the practice of law. The experiences gained through participation in BOA competitions enable students to see the entire range of the lawyering process, from the initial client interview, through the negotiation or mediation stages of representation, the actual trial, and ultimately the appeal. Many employers are impressed because it shows that you have the potential to be a good litigator.

Q: I'm a first-year. How can I get involved in the BOA?
A: We have several opportunities for 1Ls to participate in during their first year. 1Ls are welcome to compete in the 1L Negotiation, Mediation, Hagar Tort Appellate Advocacy, Health Law, Jessup, and the Trial Advocacy competition. Or if you don't want to compete, you can serve as a bailiff or timekeeper during any of our competitions or simply attend one of our workshops for you own edification. These activities provide a great way to learn about the competitions. Come by the BOA office and sign up to be a bailiff or timekeeper and you will be contacted to participate. The only rule concerning 1Ls is they are not permitted to travel to regional or national competitions.

Q: How do I become a BOA Executive Officer?
A: Around the beginning of March, BOA members interested in being Executive Officers fill out applications in the BOA office. There are a number of positions available. Officer duties entail publicizing BOA activities, organizing competitions, and securing judges for our competitions. The current BOA Executive Board will conduct interviews and vote on the candidates. For more information about BOA Executive Officers, check out Article II of the BOA By-Laws to the Constitution.

HOME CONTACT US