The Florida Bar announced on April 2 the winners of the 2025-2026 High School Appellate Brief Writing & Moot Court Competition, following final rounds held in Tallahassee on March 31 and April 1. The event, organized by The Florida Bar Law Related Education Committee and Appellate Practice Section, allowed high school students to learn about the appellate process through brief writing and oral argument before real judges.
The competition aims to help students develop critical thinking, legal reasoning, analysis, professionalism, and understanding of court structure. Participants wrote briefs on a fictional case involving warrantless searches and custodial interrogation. Practicing attorneys graded these briefs before teams advanced to present oral arguments in front of appellate judges at the First District Court of Appeal.
In the statewide Final Round at the Florida Supreme Court on April 1, Daniella Glebov and Jade Capella from American Heritage High School – Broward were named State Champions. Their team was supported by school sponsor Nikki Laurie and attorney coach Laura Burkhalter. Six out of seven Florida Supreme Court Justices judged their performance as best in Florida.
Francesca Dieujuste and Samantha Shullman from American Heritage School – Palm Beach were recognized as second-place winners. Dieujuste also received recognition as Best Oralist in the Final Round.
During Semifinals on March 31, teams from six high schools competed: American Heritage (Broward County), American Heritage (Palm Beach County), Bell Creek Academy (Hillsborough County), Hialeah Gardens High School (Miami-Dade County), Ponte Vedra High School (St. Johns County), and William R. Boone High School (Orange County). William Galindo-Irizarry and Anthony Amnay from Bell Creek Academy earned Best Brief honors; Daniella Glebov was awarded Best Oralist for this round.
Further information about the program can be found at The Florida Bar Moot Court page where broadcasts will be posted.
