The Florida Bar announced on April 2 the winners of the 2025-2026 High School Appellate Brief Writing & Moot Court Competition, which concluded with final rounds in Tallahassee on March 31 and April 1.
The competition aims to help students learn about the appellate process and gain experience arguing cases in a real court setting. Participants wrote briefs on a fictitious case involving warrantless searches and custodial interrogation, then presented oral arguments before appellate judges and justices.
In the Final Round held at the Florida Supreme Court, Daniella Glebov and Jade Capella from American Heritage High School – Broward were named state champions. The team was assisted by school sponsor Nikki Laurie and attorney coach Laura Burkhalter, with six of seven Florida Supreme Court Justices serving as judges. Francesca Dieujuste and Samantha Shullman from American Heritage School – Palm Beach finished second, while Dieujuste received recognition as Best Oralist in the Final Round.
Semifinalists included teams from American Heritage School – Broward County, American Heritage School – 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 won Best Brief in this round; Daniella Glebov was awarded Best Oralist.
According to The Florida Bar, the program is designed to help students practice skills such as critical thinking, legal reasoning, analysis, professionalism, and understanding of court structure and legal processes.
More information about the competition is available on The Florida Bar Moot Court page. Broadcasts of the event will also be posted online.
