The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University proudly hosted the 38th Annual Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition (NELMCC), one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious interschool moot court competitions devoted to environmental law.
This year’s competition welcomed teams from across the country to Pace Haub Law’s campus for three days of advocacy in front of attorney judges. Since its founding in 1989, NELMCC has set the national standard for excellence in environmental moot court competitions, challenging students to engage with complex and timely issues shaping environmental law and policy.
The 2026 NELMCC Championship title was awarded to Columbia Law School. The two finalist teams were University of Minnesota Law School and Lewis & Clark Law School. All three teams delivered outstanding performances in the final round, which was presided over by an esteemed panel of judges:
As with every year, the competition was organized and led by Pace Haub Law students. The 2026 NELMCC Board was chaired by Thomas O’Connell, supported by a dedicated student leadership team overseeing hospitality, judging, scoring, fundraising, competition logistics, and more. The 2026 Problem was authored by Professor Todd Ommen, who also serves as Faculty Advisor, with the Bench Memorandum authored by Kiran Chalal, Environmental Law Program Fellow.
“NELMCC represents the very best of environmental advocacy and student leadership,” shared NELMCC Chair Thomas O’Connell. “It was an honor to work alongside such a dedicated board to welcome talented competitors from across the country and esteemed attorney judges. The level of preparation, professionalism, and passion we saw this year truly reflects the strength and future of environmental law.”
Over the course of the three-day competition, lively discussions and panels were also held amongst coaches and judges, an environmental career session was hosted by the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, a Law Professor Workshop, as well as a CLE were also held. The Competition ended with a Reception and Awards Ceremony. In addition to the winning teams, awards went to: Julie Lane, Drake University Law School (Best Oralist), Andie Madsen, SJ Quinney College of Law (Honorable Mention for Best Oralist), and American University Washington College of Law (2026 David Sive Award for Best Brief Overall).
The Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition is grateful to the organizations and people whose financial support help make the event possible. This year, NELMCC was pleased to have the continued partnership of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER) and AlterEcho, who were premier sponsors.
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce that Erin Gleason Alvarez, Director of the Law School’s Mediation Practicum and the Amelia A. Gould Representation in Mediation Clinic and Adjunct Professor, has been awarded the Outstanding Professional Article Award by the CPR Institute – International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution.
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University has been named to preLaw Magazine’s inaugural Justice & Opportunity Honor Roll, a national recognition highlighting law schools that demonstrate leadership in expanding access to legal education and strengthening pathways into the legal profession.
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce that a distinguished group of environmental law scholars will join the Law School as Haub Visiting Scholars.