Oral Argument and Outreach Event at the U.S. Court of International Trade

Join us for an extra special and unique event to be held at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims on Friday, June 13th, 2025, to hear oral argument in the case of Maui and Hector's Dolphin Defenders NZ Inc. versus National Marine Fisheries Service with the Honorable Jennifer Choe-Groves presiding.

This is a rare opportunity to witness an oral hearing in a high-profile federal case concerning international trade and the world’s rarest marine dolphin. The case centers on a conservation group's challenge to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), alleging that the NMFS failed to fulfill its obligations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act by not imposing a ban on seafood imports from New Zealand—measures the group argues are necessary to protect this critically endangered species.

Following the hearing, a special Q&A session will be held with the attorneys arguing the matter followed by lunch with Judge Choe-Groves and her law clerks to discuss careers in international trade law and gain insights into life on the bench.

Oral argument starts at 9:30am and is anticipated to last approximately 2 hours, with the Q&A session and lunch completed by approximately 2pm.

Attendance at oral argument is open to all APABA-DC and AEF Members.

Attendance at the lunch and discussion session is limited to law students and recent graduates (within 3 years of law school). Please Note: The lunch session is limited to 20 eligible registrants due to space constraints. Registration for the lunch session is subject to verification of eligibility. Early RSVPs are strongly encouraged.

This event is co-sponsored with the APABA-DC Asian Educational Fund (AEF).