The Claude Pepper Elder Law Moot Court Competition is the nation’s only moot court competition devoted exclusively to elder law, with this year’s topic focusing on consumer protection issues in nursing facilities. (Photo by FSU College of Law)
Key Points
Taking place Oct. 9–10, Florida State University College of Law’s 2026 Claude Pepper Elder Law Moot Court Competition is the nation’s only moot court competition devoted exclusively to elder law, with this year’s topic focusing on consumer protection issues in nursing facilities.
The competition gives law students an opportunity to strengthen their appellate advocacy skills while exploring legal issues affecting older adults.
For the fourth consecutive year, Florida State University College of Law will welcome 14 law school teams from across the country to Tallahassee for the 2026 Claude Pepper Elder Law Moot Court Competition. Taking place Oct. 9–10, the event is the nation’s only moot court competition devoted exclusively to elder law, with this year’s topic focusing on consumer protection issues in nursing facilities.
Hosted by FSU Law’s Claude Pepper Elder Law Clinic with support from the AARP Foundation, the competition gives law students an opportunity to strengthen their appellate advocacy skills while exploring legal issues affecting older adults.
“Each year, this competition brings law students from across the country to FSU Law to develop their appellate advocacy skills while engaging with complex legal issues affecting older adults,” said Erin O’Hara O’Connor, dean of the FSU College of Law. “It reflects both the strength of our elder law program and our commitment to preparing students to advocate effectively for the people and communities they will serve.”
“Each year, this competition brings law students from across the country to FSU Law to develop their appellate advocacy skills while engaging with complex legal issues affecting older adults.”
– Erin O’Hara O’Connor, dean of the FSU College of Law
The competition builds on year-round work at FSU Law’s Claude Pepper Elder Law Clinic. Directed by Rima Nathan, it is the state’s sole law school clinic dedicated to senior advocacy, giving students hands-on experience representing low-income clients, conducting community education and advancing policy initiatives. Participants handle cases involving elder abuse, financial exploitation, consumer protection, advance directives, healthcare decision making, public benefits, housing and related legal challenges.
“Though the problem students will argue is fictional, it reflects a real and growing issue in elder law practice,” said Nathan. “The competition gives students an opportunity to grapple with those complexities while developing persuasive legal arguments and advocating their positions before experienced attorneys and judges.”
The competition is again made possible with support from the AARP Foundation. The philanthropic affiliate of AARP works to reduce poverty for and with older adults and advocates for the legal rights and interests of people age 50 and older, particularly those living on low incomes.
“Nursing facility cases reflect the issues AARP Foundation attorneys take on every day to protect residents and their families,” said Louis Lopez, senior vice president of AARP Foundation Litigation. “We’re proud to help cultivate a new generation of lawyers who will carry that work forward and stand up for older adults.”
