Engaged Learning

Leadership, Moot Court Style

by Connor McLean

As a first-year law student, Sabrina D. Murugesu ‘25 recalls feeling ‘terrified’ while arguing a case in front of her Moot Court classmates. But instead of shying away from the challenge, Murugesu embraced it head-on. In her second year, she joined a Moot Court competition team, determined to push past her initial apprehension. Today, she serves as the executive director of the Moot Court Board, a group of student-leaders who administer much of the program.

Sabrina D. Murugesu headshot
Sabrina D. Murugesu ‘25

Murugesu says she is energized by her peers’ increasing enthusiasm for Moot Court. “I remember last year, we sent ten teams to competitions. This year, we are sending fifteen, so the program has grown a lot in just a few months.” She believes her role as executive director is about empowering her fellow student leaders, including a first-year director who manages a team of coaches and an Advanced Moot Court director responsible for the internal USF competition. “My job is to focus on the big picture,” she explains. “I jump in to help the other directors when they need it. If someone feels overwhelmed, I’m there to support them.” 

Professor Monalisa Vu '01, the faculty lead for Moot Court, shares Murugesu’s excitement about the program. “Moot Court brings together all the best parts of law school. It’s academic and intellectually challenging, but it also allows students to form genuine connections with each other,” she says. Professor Vu is full of praise for Murugesu’s leadership. “Sabrina is incredibly hardworking, and everyone respects her. Plus, she is super organized—she loves a spreadsheet!” 

Murugesu’s exposure to the legal profession came at a young age. The daughter of immigrant parents, she grew up acutely aware of the legal system, as her family navigated the lengthy immigration process. She adds, “For as long as I could remember, that process was always going on, until I turned 21 and was able to sponsor them. I grew up around immigration lawyers. I looked up to them and decided I wanted to become a lawyer myself.”  

Now, as she approaches the time to choose a specific legal path, Murugesu credits the Moot Court Program with clarifying her career ambitions.“I want to become a lawyer who goes to court and does oral arguments. The program solidified for me that I want to go down the litigation path.” On a more personal level, she believes Moot Court has helped her feel more connected with the law school community. “I’ve met so many people, especially in the class ahead of me. One of the requirements of being on a competition team is guest judging for first-year Moot Court. So I would come into a first-year Moot Court class and watch their oral argument to give them feedback. It’s been such a rewarding experience.”

more news