The University of Wisconsin Law School Indigenous Law Students Association (ILSA) sent six students this year to compete in the National Native American Law Student Association's Annual Moot Court Competition, bringing home the award for "Best Oralist", won by Lisa Evans (2L.) The event was held in New York City from February 28 to March 1, 2003, hosted this year by the Columbia University School of Law.

Participants are required to analyze a specific Federal Indian law problem, write and file a brief, conduct oral argument practices, and enter into competition against teams from other law schools.

Wisconsin sent the teams of Lisa Evans (2L) and Rebecca Webster (3L); James Washinawatok (3L) and William Cornelius (2L); and "JR" Bluehouse (2L) and Joel Knutson (2L).

Student coaches Maura O'Donnell (3L) and Bridget Schoenborn (2L) reported a robust competition, with two Wisconsin teams advancing to the "sweet sixteen" and one team advancing to the "final eight."

This year's preparation included dress rehearsals before Professor John LaVelle of the University of New Mexico Law School, Professor William Rice of the University of Tulsa Law School, and Professor Carin Clauss of the University of Wisconsin Law School.

The purpose of the competition is to develop written and oral advocacy skills for those interested in practicing Federal Indian Law.

The UW Law School Indigenous Law Student Association is an affiliate chapter of NNALSA. Competition in the national moot court competition is not limited to ILSA members.