Mooting

Mallesons Stephen Jaques is the proud sponsor of the Senior Mooting Competition - many thanks to Mallesons Stephen Jaques for their ongoing support!

 

Why Moot?

Apart from the getting an insight into the preparation and role of a barrister in a trial, mooting allows students to put the theoretical skills and knowledge into practice. Generally, a moot attempts to touch on many of the skills you'll need if you go on to practice. It includes the preparation of argument, submissions of argument and working in a team, making your case and rebutting the case put by the other side. Whilst one may be uncomfortable at first thought of the prospect of competing, the rewards can be very fulfilling.

Not only does it allow you to get to know the area of law which the fact scenario has raised, better it allows give you the experience of being put on the spot by a judge and having to think on your feet, as well as developing your knowledge of court room protocol.

 

Do I Need any Previous Experience?

No experience is required to compete in the junior competition (held in semester two). However, for those wishing to compete in the senior moot, it is advised that they should have competed in a junior moot or moot before entering the senior moot competition.

 

Registration and Dress Code?

Registration for the moot competitions will open in weeks one and two of each semester. Registration for the Senior moot in Autumn will be via a sign up sheet on the LSS notice board in the first few weeks of semester - stay tuned!

Questions for the preliminary rounds will be released ASAP after the draw has been finalized but competitors can assume a weeks preparation time prior to competing in there first moot. Questions will be made available via email.

The dress code is business attire or of a standard expected of counsel representing a client in court.

 

 

What is Mooting?

A moot is a legal hearing in which two teams, represented by a senior and junior counsel act for the parties involved. Both counsel for the plaintiff and defendant are provided with a scenario from which they must produce legal arguments for their client. These legal arguments come in the form of a written submission, (submitted two hours prior to the moot commencing) and an oral submission (the moot). The written submission outlines the arguments that each team wishes to raise, who will be arguing them (junior or senior counsel) and how long counsel will speak. The scenario raises a 'moot' point of law, which is balanced to allow for solid arguments to be raised by the plaintiff and defence counsel. During the moot the judge will become involved and will often ask counsel to expand on a point of law they have raised, consider an alternative point of view and ask questions.

 

How Do I Participate?

Throughout semester one and two each year, the UTS Law Students' Society holds senior and junior mooting competitions. In preparation for the ALSA Conference, the senior competition is held in semester one. The winner of the senior moot is often invited to compete at the ALSA Conference. The junior competition is held in semester two. Accompanying the junior moot is a seminar series to educate and help junior mooters develop their skills prior to the competition getting under way.

 

Those of you who are interested in mooting and would like more information can contact the Jonathan Ballo - Competitions (Advocacy) Officer

 

When Does the Competition Take Place?

As a guide the senior and junior competitions are scheduled to begin in the fourth week of each semester with a seminar taking place in weeks one to three.
The competition is held on campus and will be held in one of the three moot courts in the law faculty (subject to availability).

 

Mooting Handbook

To view the online version of the Mooting Handbook, click here.