Written by: Hannah Huston

The University of Iowa College of Law celebrated one of its most cherished traditions—Supreme Court Day—on Friday, October 24, 2025. Now in its 97th year, the event honors the Iowa Supreme Court and commemorates National Constitution Day, connecting generations of Iowa Law students to the college’s historic roots in the state’s judiciary. 

Each fall, Iowa Law welcomes all seven justices of the Iowa Supreme Court to campus for a day that bridges legal education and the practice of law at the state’s highest level. The tradition reflects the college’s origins in the Iowa Supreme Court’s chambers and continues to underscore Iowa Law’s commitment to experiential learning and civic engagement. Chief Justice Susan Christensen, Justice Thomas Waterman, Justice Edward Mansfield, Justice Christopher McDonald, Justice Dana Oxley, Justice Matthew McDermott, and Justice David May. Three of the justices—Waterman, McDonald, and Oxley—graduated from Iowa Law. 

One of the main events of the day is a student moot case, where top advocates argue before the justices themselves. Organized by Iowa Law’s Moot Court program, this opportunity gives students a chance to test their advocacy skills in a real-world setting before the state’s highest court. 

“For me, Supreme Court Day is a day of inspiration and community,” said Joseph Rychwalski, executive director of Iowa Law’s Moot Program. “It’s inspiring to watch peers rise to the challenge of arguing before the Iowa Supreme Court, and the day fosters a sense of community through discussions, receptions, and dinners that connect students and faculty with the justices.” 

Following opening remarks and introductions, Rychwalski took the podium to introduce the student advocates and the case problem. The top advocates from last spring’s Van Oosterhout and Baskerville Moot Court Competitions—Andrew Brueck, Jordan Carlson, Quinn Kennedy, and Samuel Reynoldson—presented oral arguments before the justices. Chloe Wright served as bailiff and provided an overview of the case, The Iowa Coffee Company, LLC v. The Iowa Coffee Company & Roasters, LLC. The mock appeal centered on whether a district court correctly granted a permanent injunction in a trademark dispute between two coffee businesses operating under similar names. The students tackled questions about common law trademark rights and the likelihood of consumer confusion. 

Quinn Kennedy reflected on the significance of the experience, noting how rare it is for law students to argue before real judges—let alone the justices of a state supreme court. “They prepared for it much like they would for an actual case before them, and that respect they gave us as law students was really humbling,” he said. “It’s so important to carry that tradition on, I think, because appellate advocacy is such a difficult method of lawyering. This was one of the rare times in law school that I felt like an actual lawyer, and I think that’s an incredibly valuable experience for a law student to have.” 

In the afternoon, the justices returned to the Boyd Law Building courtroom to hear a real case, State of Iowa ex rel. Attorney General Brenna Bird v. TikTok, Inc., which addressed issues at the intersection of law, technology, and consumer protection. The opportunity to observe an actual Iowa Supreme Court proceeding on campus gave students firsthand insight into the appellate process—an experience they might otherwise have to travel to Des Moines to witness. It was a valuable chance to see how the state’s highest court engages with complex, real-world legal questions, all within the Boyd Law Building. 

The day concluded with faculty-and alumni-hosted dinners honoring the justices and student participants, continuing the spirit of community that has defined the event for nearly a century. 

“Supreme Court Day is an important tradition for Iowa Law because it showcases the best of our student advocates,” Rychwalski said. “It’s also a reminder to all Moot Court students that these experiences build real-world skills in persuasive writing, public speaking, and confidence with the law.” 

Nearly a century later, Supreme Court Day remains Iowa Law’s oldest and most distinguished tradition—a testament to the college’s enduring partnership with the judiciary and its mission to educate principled, engaged lawyers who carry forward the ideals of justice in Iowa and beyond.