Competition Guide 2022 by Macquarie University Law Society

2022

Competitions Guide

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 2 3 4

General Information (6) 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5

Competitions and New Initiatives in 2022 (9) Workshops (10) Ways to Get Involved (11) GLP (Global Leadership Program) (12) Additional Resources (12)

5 6 7 8

Juris Doctor Students (37)

Professional Skills Competitions (13) 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4

Client Interview (14) Negotiations (16) Paper Presentation (18) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) (20)

From the Bench (39)

Advocacy Competitions (22) 3.1 Mooting (23) 3.2 Witness Examination (29)

What MULS Competition Are You? Star Sign Edition (44)

Intervarsity Competitions (32)

What MULS Competition Are You? MAZE Edition (46)

Acknowledgements Macquarie University Law Society acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Macquarie University Land, the Wattamattagal clan of the Darug Nation, whose cultures and customs have nurtured, and continue to nurture, this land, since the Dreamtime. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

EDITOR’S NOTE This publication serves to guide you through the wide range of MULS competitions in 2022. Inside you will find information about how each competition is run, in addition to advice from previous competitors on how to succeed and further improve. I want to extend a very warm thank you to the incredible Competitions Portfolio, led by Competitions Director Taylor McCoy, for working tirelessly behind the scenes to contribute to this guide. I also want to thank all the individuals who have kindly volunteered to share their wisdom and knowledge to our students in this guide. Be sure to bookmark this file! The Competitions Guide will be an indispensable handbook to navigating your competitions journey. Happy reading and good luck for your next competition! Jessica Go

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Get ready to prepare your pink Elle Woods suit, and gel those Harvery Specter haircuts, it is time to go to Court, close deals and interview witnesses! In a mock hypothetical ... MULS competitions are a fantastic opportunity for students of all ages to develop your professional skills and confidence, whilst surrounding yourself with a wealth of knowledge by interacting with judges, who are often alumni with unique experiences and careers! Throughout my time at Macquarie, I have competed in a number of MULS competitions from the Foundations of Law Moot in my first year to representing the university nationally in a few intervarsity moots. Each competition I have competed in has brought new experiences and opportunities to develop skills such as legal research, public speaking and drafting (thank you past teammates for putting up with my spelling errors!). These skills have proven critical not only in work environments, but in my assessments during law school! My biggest piece of advice when participating in MULS competitions is to engage with and apply judges’ feedback. Judges draw upon a wealth of experience when providing feedback. It is important to ask further questions about the pointers and comments provided to ensure you completely understand, before being sure to apply the feedback in the next competition! I am extremely excited that the 2022 edition of the MULS Competitions Guide is in your hands, and hope that it assists in building your understanding and confidence to participate in the wide variety of competitions that MULS has to offer. I would like to provide my sincerest thank you to the Competitions and Publications Portfolios for their hard work and passion in producing this brilliant guide. I look forward to seeing you competing! Devlin Greatbatch Murphy

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

PUBLICATION AND COMPETITIONS DIRECTOR WELCOME

Hi everyone! My name is Taylor McCoy and I am the Director of Competitions for 2022! After two years of hardship and turbulence, I am so excited to be working alongside the Competitions Executive Members to bring you all some amazing, arguably life changing, opportunities this year. I am incredibly passionate about the enormous professional and personal benefits that are derived from participating in competitions. Even if you do not consider yourself a public speaker, there are a number of initiatives from Client Interview, Negotiations or Paper Presentation that will allow you to develop crucial legal reasoning and client rapport skills which are all transferable to your future careers. Our primary focus this year is encouraging new students to get involved. Whether you’re a first year or a fifth year it is never too late to give competing a go. We have Foundations and Novice Comps, Junior Client Interview and a brand new and improved workshop series running in Semester 1 for both advocacy and professional skills. For the budding advocates and seasoned competitors, we have a lineup of fresh competitions including our International Humanitarian Law Moot and the Private Law Moot. These competitions will allow competitors to expand their knowledge from units of study and extend skills in front of preeminent lawyers and academics. Furthermore, for female students MULS is excited to launch the Inaugural International Women’s Day Mooting Program which will combine workshops and panels followed by a Demonstration Moot session and Networking Event. I want to personally extend a huge thank you to Maryrose and the entire Publications team for their ongoing hard work and support in putting this guide together. A thank you also goes out to the Alumni, judges, past competitors and other contributors without whom this could not have been possible. I hope you keep this guide with you as you embark on your Law studies as a helpful tool and reminder of all the amazing opportunities available to you through MULS. Taylor McCoy

Welcome to the MULS Competitions Guide! We are very excited to welcome you to the 2022 Competitions Guide and are over the moon to be able to continue this guide which was established in 2021. Competitions form a large part of the law school experience. They are a great way to get involved, understand, develop, and learn new skills which are essential when you start in the workplace. It is where you can learn from industry professionals on how to work on your differing skill sets and apply them to common tasks in the legal profession. Competitions are a unique and valuable way to get to know your peers, learn from those in the profession and apply the knowledge you have acquired in your studies. This guide highlights the differing competitions which you can get involved in this year – these can be undertaken by all students, whether you are in your first or your final year of studies. The guide provides some tips, tricks, and insight into what the bench looks for in a great competitor! We have even included a maze and star sign compatibility section to help you choose the competition which best suits you! I would like to extend my thanks to the Editor of this guide Jessica Go and the Competitions Director Taylor McCoy, the entire competitions team, past competitors, and judges. This guide would not have been possible without your insights and ongoing support. Finally, I hope this guide provides you confidence and encourages you all to get involved in competitions. Personally, competitions have been an integral part of my law school journey and I have met some of my best friends today through these comps! Looking forward to the competitions year ahead! Maryrose Sukkar

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

MEET THE COMPETITIONS TEAM

From Left to Right: Row 1: Sharni Selzer, Marcelo González Danke, Sophie Baxter, Taniya Thomas Row 2: Simone Alexander, Taylor McCoy, Rahin Badar Absent: Sophie Cant, Tracy Tang

Taylor McCoy Director (Competitions) competitions@muls.org

Sharni Selzer Executive Officer (Competitions - Foundations) foundationcomps@muls.org

Rahin Badar Executive Officer (Competitions - Foundations) novicecomp@muls.org

Taniya Thomas Executive Officer (Competitions - Advocacy) compsadvocacy1@muls.org

Sophie Baxter Executive Officer (Competitions - Advocacy) compsadvocacy@muls.org

Simone Alexander Executive Officer (Competitions Professional Skills) compsskills1@muls.org

Sophie Cant Executive Officer (Competitions Professional Skills) compsskills@muls.org

Marcelo González Danke Executive Officer (Competitions - Externals) externalcomps@muls.org

Tracy Tang Executive Officer (Competitions - Externals) externalcomps1@muls.org

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

GET TO KNOW US Taylor McCoy

Rahin Badar

Overview of the Director’s Role As the Director of Competitions, I am responsible for overseeing the Competitions Executive Team and assisting in the organisation of all of our competitions. I am here to answer any questions or concerns competitors have and support our students in becoming more skilled and confident competitors.

Overview of the competitions you are running this year Hi everyone, I am the Executive Officer for Foundations Competitions. This year I will be running the International Humanitarian Law Moot in semester 1 and Novice Moot in semester 2. The Novice Moot is a subject based moot for students in their second year and up who have never mooted before.

Tell us about a memorable competitions experience There have been so many over the years! However, I have to pick winning the Novice Moot Grand Final in 2020. I had never competed before and definitely experienced lots of imposter syndrome, but the hard work and knocks along the way were all worth it. I loved competing with some of my best friends and having the experience of giving oral submissions in front of an amazing bench, even if we all were grilled a little!

Tell us about a memorable competitions experience The most memorable competition experience I have had was doing the entire junior client interview competition on zoom. The experience of watching the clients who you will be interviewing, glitch on zoom as they act out an emotional story made the competition an entertaining one!

If you could only choose one competition to take part in, what would it be and why? Whilst I love Mooting and Advocacy, I would definitely pick the ADR Championship as it is the best of all worlds! I love the challenge of time pressure and the variety of competition styles involved.

Sharni Selzer Overview of the competitions you are running this year Hi there! My name is Sharni and I am an executive for Foundations Competitions. This year I am responsible for running the International Humanitarian Law Moot in semester 1 and the Foundations of Law Moot in semester 2. Tell us about a memorable competitions experience The most memorable competition experience I have had was winning the Foundations of Law Moot in 2021. Being the first time I had ever mooted, I had no expectation of making it beyond the preliminary round, let alone to the grand final. The best part of that experience was being able to present to a panel of real-world law professionals and to hear their feedback. If you could only choose one competition to take part in, what would it be and why? I might be biased… BUT the best competition to take part in is definitely the Foundations Moot! It is the best way to dip your toes into the world of competitions. It gave me the opportunity to develop my legal skills and to make valuable connections with people along that way.

If you could only choose one competition to take part in, what would it be and why? If I could only choose one comp to be part in it would be the Novice Moot! It’s a great moot for students who would like to gain more experience in their mooting and research skills, it also helps you think on your feet and forces you to formulate arguments in a clear and concise way which is crucial for law!

Taniya Thomas Overview of the competitions you are running this year Hi! My name is Taniya Thomas, and I am the 2022 Executive Officer for Competitions (Advocacy). I am currently in my third year, studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Psychology (Hon). My role involves organising various MULS Competitions, such as the Championship Moot and Witness Examinations throughout the year and ensuring all participants have an enjoyable experience. Tell us about a memorable competitions experience I was lucky to participate in the Foundations of Law Moot Competition during my first year, which was an extremely memorable experience. I was able to really develop my legal research skills and more importantly, establish friendships and professional networks which would last the rest of my degree. Something which I really remember about that competition was preparing some questions which I thought the judges would ask my team, and then internally freaking out when those questions were asked during the grand final of the competition. I think the best part about mooting is that it acts as a pathway for developing important skills which you could carry through the rest of your degree in a fun and supportive environment! If you could only choose one competition to take part in, what would it be and why? If I could only choose one competition to take part in, I would love to take part in client interviews as I believe they are perfect for people who want to develop their interpersonal skills. I think the experience of competing in client interviews helps you to reinforce fundamental skills needed for the legal profession, but in an interactive and interesting way!

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Sophie Baxter Overview of the competitions you are running this year This year, I’ll be running two of our subject-based moots. The Criminal Law Moot, which will run in Semester 1, and the Contract Law Moot, running in Semester 2, are designed for students who have mooted in at least one competition previously. These moots provide students with an opportunity to develop their oral and written communications skills while applying the knowledge they have learnt within their law units. Tell us about a memorable competitions experience I would say that my experience in the Client Interview competition has been the most memorable as it has allowed me to develop valuable knowledge and skills which will be of benefit post-university. Professional skills such as speaking with clients, critical thinking, and problem solving are essential in practicing law, and this competition has taught me so much about the initial process of engaging with clients. If you could only choose one competition to take part in, what would it be and why? The Criminal Law Moot! It’s a perfect moot to get involved in during Semester 1, and lets you use the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt during the Criminal Law unit. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to live out your Annalise Keating dreams!

Simone Alexander Overview of the competitions you are running this year Hello Everyone! My name is Simone Alexander and will be one of the Executive Officers for Competitions (Professional Skills) this year. During the course of the year, I will be executing three competitions; negotiations in semester 1, and ADR and paper presentation in semester 2. These competitions assist students in developing critical skills that are frequently used in the professional environment. These skills include time management, research, logical reasoning, and problem-solving. These competitions are open to all students and do not require any prerequisite knowledge. Tell us about a memorable competitions experience Whilst I have an abundance of memorable experiences with competition life, the most memorable would have been my very first competition for a number of reasons. Firstly, it provided an avenue to explore and understand the real-life application of legal topics such as property law and family law. Law school supplies the theory and knowledge of how the law operates but it was only through this competition I was able to connect the theory to real-life scenarios. Secondly, it helped me develop my problem-solving skills and time management skills. I found these skills to be invaluable to my ability to manage studies, work, and other extracurricular activities. Lastly, this competition has helped me create lasting relationships with both my teammates and judges. These relationships have impacted my experiences and continue to positively impact my law school journey.

If you could only choose one competition to take part in, what would it be and why? The ADR competition is the true test for all those who love any professional skill competition. Spanning to include, client interviews, negotiations, letters of advice, and a partner presentation, this has quickly become my favorite competition. This competition requires a large tool kit of skills that draws on individuals’ strengths and pushes them to improve upon weaker areas. This is an extremely teamwork-intensive competition, which brought another element of excitement to the table. Ultimately, this competition showed me the importance of being a strong team player and advocating for my client.

Sophie Cant Overview of the competitions you are running this year Hey! My name is Sophie Cant and I am one of the Executive Officers for Competitions (Professional Skills) for 2022. The team and I are super excited for a jampacked year ahead with you all. I will be in charge of facilitating the Client Interview Competitions this year. This competition is divided into Junior and Senior levels, depending on your year of University. Client Interview provides a practical and fun way to develop your professional interviewing skills – a crucial part of becoming an amazing lawyer! Tell us about a memorable competitions experience I had the honour of winning the Junior Client Interview Competition with my partner, Taylor McCoy in 2020 (if that name sounds familiar, it is because she is the 2022 Director of Competitions). If I hadn’t participated in this competition, I highly doubt I would be sitting here writing this piece for you all to be reading now. If you could only choose one competition to take part in, what would it be and why? If I could choose one competition to take part in, it would be Client Interview, HANDS DOWN (bias, I know). It’s one of the more relaxed competitions, so it provides a great way to kick-start your participation in MULS, but still provides you with indispensable skills. I look forward to meeting you all in 2022!

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Tracy Tang Overview of the competitions you are running this year Hi my name is Tracy, I am the Executive officer for external competitions (Professional Skills) for 2022. The competitions I will be running this year are: MULS x SULS ADR Intervarsity Competition, ADC-ICC AsiaPacific Commercial Mediation Competition, negotiation, client interview and other skills competition with other universities, such as Usyd, UNSW and UTS. Competing with students from other universities and regions can be a very different experience as you can network at the same time! I am very excited to bring you guys this unique experience. Tell us about a memorable competitions experience I have participated in several interesting competitions. If I have to name one, the most memorable one would be the negotiation competition I did in my first year of Juris Doctor! Firstly, it was my first ever law competition. I was nervous and unsure if I understood the rules or knew the process, but it was totally enjoyable and educational! The fact that we are not supposed to rely on law is also an interesting aspect of it as our degree has been mainly focusing on developing our legal skills. I realised from this competition that soft skills such as negotiation, communication and teamwork are equally important to be successful as a legal professional. If you could only choose one competition to take part in, what would it be and why? I think I would choose the SULS x MULS ADR Competition. It will not only involve different teams from two universities that we can learn from and network with our counterparts, but also emcompasses client interview, negotiation, a letter of advice and partner presentations. It’s a great opportunity to get exposure to a range of professional skills and improve them in one single competition!

COMPETITIONS IN 2022

Semester

Negotiations Senior Client Interview IHL Moot Criminal Law Moot Championship Moot LLM/PhD Moot IWD Mooting Program

Semester

Foundations of Law Moot Novice Moot Junior Client Interview Contract Law Moot Private Law Moot ADR Championship Paper Presentation Witness Examination Diversity and Pride Moot Environmental Intervarsity Moot Be sure to follow the MULS Facebook page for the exact dates of competitions and for information about External competitions.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

1.1 NEW COMPETITIONS AND INITIATIVES IN 2022

International Humanitarian Law Moot

Private Law Moot

Some of the most prestigious Mooting Competitions across the globe focus on prevalent issues of International Law, such as the Philip C. Jessup International Law Mooting Competition and the Australian Law Schools Association Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot. For the first time, MULS will be hosting an internal mooting competition focused on International Criminal Law for junior mooters to get a taste for international law advocacy.

In previous years, MULS has hosted the Tort Law Mooting Competition to give students an opportunity to experience an aspect of Private Law advocacy beyond Contract Law. In recognition of student interest, MULS is transforming the Tort Law Competition into a Private Law Moot. This will expand the areas of law that may be explored to include Equity and Trusts and Corporate Law. The Private Law Moot will have a strong commercial focus and require students to grapple with challenging points of appeal.

The primary difference between other subject Moots and the IHL Moot is the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and bodies of law governing the key legal issues being argued. This competition is a perfect way to build upon the knowledge gained in LAWS2000 (International Law) and practice researching fundamental treaties, customs or general principles of international law. Another distinguishing factor between other subject Moots and the IHL Moot is the role and persuasiveness of judicial decisions. Unlike Contract Law or Equity and Trusts, case law is not regarded as a formal source of international law and does not constitute binding precedent in the same way the common law does. However, analogous cases can still be persuasive in value and assist in illuminating the key issues in the facts of the case. Teams of 2-4 will be assigned to either the prosecution or defence side of a matter before a fictitious Tribunal or the International Criminal Court. Members of the bench are referred to as Mr/Madame President or Your Excellency. Generally, the prosecution will be tasked with establishing firstly that a violation of the relevant law has occurred and secondly that the accused is criminally responsible for this conduct. The role of the defence is to disprove these submissions by raising sufficient doubt to prevent the attribution of criminal responsibility upon their client. Examples of the type of issues that may arise in an IHL moot question may include war crimes, crimes against humanity or conduct during armed conflict. Preliminary rounds will be undertaken online over Zoom in Semester 1. If you are interested to learn more about IHL advocacy, the Australian Law Students Association has published a comprehensive handbook on their website.

This competition is perfect for more senior students wishing to tackle more complex factual scenarios and in depth legal research. Similar to other subject moots, Preliminary rounds will be hosted online fortnightly and the finals will be hosted in person during Semester 2.

International Program

Women’s

Day

Mooting

In 2021, MULS hosted its first International Women’s Day event, bringing together prominent female lawyers and counsel to share their respective journeys in an online panel available to all MULS members. Given the large popularity of this event, MULS is looking to revamp initiatives available to its female members in celebration of International Women’s Day 2022. This year MULS is hosting a two day intensive Womens Mooting Program over the weekend of the 5-6th of March. The theme for International Women’s Day in 2022 is #BreaktheBias, celebrating the social and professional success of women which we intend to reflect in the MULS Inaugural IWD Mooting Program. The goal of the Mooting Program is to bring together female students from all years of Law School to participate in a series of workshops and panels before collaborating in teams to give oral presentations in a Demonstration Moot. To conclude the program, participants will have an opportunity to meet and connect with our panelists and contributors at a catered evening event. Be sure to follow MULS on Facebook and Instagram for more information on our preeminent guests and to register your interest.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

1.2 WORKSHOPS Advocacy Workshops The Advocacy Workshops will provide a general introduction to both the written and oral components of Mooting competitions. One workshop will run in collaboration with the MULS Education portfolio to focus on legal writing skills, legal research and referencing to assist competitors with how to approach written submissions. The other will focus on oral advocacy such as the unique courtroom jargon and the structure of the competition. These workshops will also give attendees a chance to meet prior successful competitors and judges and ask any pressing questions. Keep an eye out on the MULS Facebook page for the dates of the workshops, and recordings will be available on the Macquarie Law Society website.

Professional Skills Workshops The Professional Skills Workshop series is a two part breakdown of Client Interview and Negotiations style competitions. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch live demonstrations of interviews or negotiations and learn valuable skills to assist in preparing for competitions. These workshops are also valuable for those interested in the ADR Championship competition as they address essential elements to this competition such as client rapport. Keep an eye out on the MULS Facebook page for the dates of the workshops, and recordings will be available on the Macquarie Law Society website.

Judging Workshop This year we will be expanding the judging workshops available to student judges. Consistent and constructive feedback is one of the best tools to ensure the ongoing success of Macquarie students in competitions. The purpose of these workshops are to encourage and guide new students in the judging pool with the hopes this will result in a diverse and fair bench. The first workshop will be held on Tuesday the 22nd of February on Zoom and will be made available on the MAcquarie University Law Society website.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

1.3 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED There are a variety of ways to become involved in Competitions, regardless of what year of law you are in or how much experience you have. MULS is constantly looking for fresh faces in our teams, our volunteers and on our judging benches and the possibilities that may come from such experience are endless and exciting. We encourage anyone to reach out to competitions@muls.org if you have any questions or concerns about participating.

Competing

Witness or Client

Advocacy

If you are new to competitions or want to see more before signing up as a competitor, then volunteering to act as a witness or client is a great first step. Clients and witnesses get access to the factual scenarios presented to competitors and a unique insight into how a competition runs and what makes a team/competitor successful.

Advocacy competitions mimic appellate court proceedings and provide students with practical experience in developing legal arguments and oral presentation. Mooting is one type of advocacy competition in which a team of students are given a factual scenario based on a certain subject matter such as Contracts or Criminal Law and must prepare submissions based on the relevant legislation and case law. If going solo is more your style, Witness Examination replicates a civil or criminal trial from opening statements, examination of witnesses to closing addresses and students compete on their own.

Foundations If you are in the early stages of your Law degree or are new to competitions, MULS offer introductory mooting competitions based on foundational legal knowledge. First year students who have completed LAWS115* are eligible to compete in the Foundations Moot and second or third year students who haven’t competed before can try out the Novice Moot Competition.

Professional Skills Professional Skills competitions replicate other key tasks undertaken by practicing lawyers including Client Interview and Negotiation. These competitions are invaluable for developing transferable skills such as client rapport, communication and strategy implementation. For those more interested in the theoretical aspects of law, the Paper Presentation competition provides the opportunity for academic flare. Be sure to follow MULS on Facebook and Instagram for more information on our preeminent guests and to register your interest.

Further, given the evolving nature of the Covid-19 Pandemic, preliminary rounds of all competitions in Semester 1 will be hosted online, and MULS is looking for volunteers to act as Zoom hosts for these preliminary rounds. This requires minimal commitment and provides an opportunity to watch advocacy competition rounds where Clients or Witnesses aren’t required. If you are interested in volunteering to be a witness, client or Zoom host please keep an eye out on the MULS Facebook Page.

Judging Judging is open to students who have previously been successful in the respective competition. Judging benches are typically filled with solicitors, barristers and esteemed academics alongside student judges who provide the essential livelihood and personal experience essential to a well rounded bench. Judging is incredibly beneficial as students have the opportunity to meet with preeminent lawyers and develop further skills in communication and critical thinking. Student judges are essential to the running of MULS Competitions so please keep an eye out on the MULS Facebook Page if you are interested in acting as a judge. Be sure to follow MULS on Facebook and Instagram for more information on our preeminent guests and to register your interest.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

1.4 GLOBAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (GLP) The GLP Leadership Program is a co-curricular program offered at Macquarie with a focus on cross-cultural leadership, entrepreneurship and knowledge. Contributing to MULS competitions is recognised by the Global Leadership Program (GLP), and may satisfy the completion of experiential credit. As always, pre-approval of activities from your GLP Advisor is strongly recommended. For more information, click here. • •

Participating in a competition may fall under GLP code GLX14, or X31. Acting as a Competitions Representative may satisfy GLX25A, GLX09A or GLX04A.

1.5 MULS MEMBERSHIP Being a member of MULS is not mandatory however it is highly recommended that you sign up if you are interested in competing. For instance, competitors that are MULS members receive priority entry into competitions with registration capacity limits. Membership costs $5 annually, and MULS members have exclusive access to a number of perks beyond Competitions, including: • Discounts on the majority of MULS ticketed events; • 10% off at Cult Eatery locations; • Fortnightly newsletters packed with first hand insight into various initiatives on offer. Sign up here or scan the QR code below

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS COMPETITIONS

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

2.1 CLIENT INTERVIEW How Does It Work? 1.

A few days before commencement of each round, teams will receive an Office Memorandum of about one or two sentences, briefly describing the nature of the client’s problem. 2. Teams will conduct an initial interview with the client. 3. During the interviewing process, teams are required to apply active listening skills, practical thinking and show a broad range of knowledge regarding potential avenues for the client to pursue to help resolve their issue. 4. At the conclusion of the formal interview, teams will conduct a post-consultation with the judges. Here, teams assess their overall performance, strengths and weaknesses. 5. When both teams have completed their interview process, the judges will provide constructive feedback to improve your interview skills moving forward. 6. This process will occur for 3 preliminary rounds. Progression into the quarterfinals, semi-finals and the grand final will depend on your comparative scores each round.

How to Prepare? • • • •

Practice small talk Read the Memorandum and narrow down the area of law you will be addressing Brainstorm some general questions to ask your client Research a broad range of relief avenues across all areas of law e.g. informal negotiations, ADR, Ombudsmen, Tribunals

Tips & Tricks • • • • • • • • •

Ensure you and your partner know which aspects of the interview you will each be covering. It may be helpful to divide up your time among the following categories: Small talk and ice-breaking Initial overview of the client’s problem Questioning (divide this into open & closed questions) Generate possible avenues for your client to pursue Closing and summarising Treat the interview like you are just having a conversation with someone Question your client in a structured and logical manner Before ending the interview, make sure your client feels well-informed and knows what steps they should be taking next to resolve their issue

Judging Criteria The judges are provided with a specific criterion where they will assess you on your: Teamwork Ability to ascertain your client’s problem Potential to deal with both moral and ethical issues Ability To provide alternate courses of action Awareness of your strengths and weaknesses

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Tips and Tricks

from Previous Competitors Bethany Burns

Aryana Khaja

Will the experience gained from competing be useful once I graduate? Absolutely. You will often be presented with difficult ethical dilemmas, such as clients not having authority to receive advice, or asking you to go beyond the scope of your role. While it seems like a small part of the competition, any legal practitioner must adhere to their duties and obligations regardless of the area they practice in. Client Interview gives you the opportunity to apply legal ethics in a variety of situations and receive feedback from experienced judges to help you develop.

What can I expect to learn from competing in MULS Client Interview competitions? You can expect to learn a range of skills! You will develop an extensive understanding of navigating an interview structure and identifying client legal issues. You will also learn to address appropriate dispute resolution methods and tackle challenging clients. By receiving feedback after every round, you will expand your skill set and improve your interpersonal and interviewing skills. This will most indefinitely assist you throughout your profession!

There are many different MULS competitions, why should I choose the Client Interview competition? The communication skills you develop in Client Interview are foundational to being an effective lawyer. You learn to build rapport with your client, get comprehensive instructions, and manage difficult behaviour, all of which are vital to ensure you can provide clear advice in any situation. Client Interview is a unique opportunity to build these skills during Law School, and I would encourage every law student to give it a go.

Whilst competing, what challenge did you face and how did you overcome it? The entire competition was completed via Zoom due to COVID-19. This evidently created some challenges throughout our way, but it also allowed us to develop more skills that could assist us in the future. With this challenging aspect, we made sure to build rapport with our clients, despite not being in person, which was recognised as one of our strengths throughout the competition.

What unexpected benefit did you gain from competing in MULS Client Interview competitions? The uncertainty of what area of law you will be dealing with pushes you to explore dispute resolution, civil and criminal procedure, and remedies in a broad sense, and observe how they apply to many areas of law. You don’t necessarily have to have completed these subjects to learn more and benefit from the structure of the competition. You can learn along the way through applying your research during interviews, and receiving feedback from judges.

Will the experience gained from competing be useful once I graduate? Yes! The client interview competition is significant as it shows how to approach clients on an interpersonal level rather than simply legal. Clients are unaware of legal terms and methods and merely want to be heard. Thus, it is essential to perfect your interpersonal and interviewing skills to make sure your client feels as comfortable as possible in discussing their multitude of issues with you. This competition does not necessarily focus on how much legal information you know, but rather, your skills in listening to your client and addressing appropriate rights, obligations, and methods to them.

Senior Client Interview Grand Final Winner 2021

Amy Johnston

Junior Client Interview Competition Winner 2021 What unexpected benefit did you gain from competing in MULS Client Interview competition? Other than winning the competition, our unexpected benefit would definitely be the feedback we received at the end of each round. The judges were extremely helpful in highlighting our strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, the post-interview reflection was another benefit, as my teammate and I came across ethical issues and dilemmas that we were able to address quickly.

Junior Client Interview Competition Winner 2021

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

2.2 NEGOTIATIONS How to Prepare Know your facts Negotiation scenarios can be dense and filled with multiple issues and interests from both your client and the opposing teams. Reading the facts carefully and making notes can aid in understanding your client’s interests, their instructions and potential issues that may arise during the negotiation process. Having a detail orientated approach ensures teams can recall important information quickly and accurately which is essential to a successful negotiation. Know your client During the negotiation process, teams are acting on the authority of their clients and as such, should have a firm understanding of the needs, interests and expectations that arise from this relationship. Whilst it is important that the client’s interest should be incorporated into the final outcome, it is important for teams to be flexible to the opposing counsel’s suggestions. Teams can take a variety of approaches, both traditional or creative, to achieve the right balance of pushing their client’s agenda and accepting some compromises. Have a strategy Whilst it is difficult to plan for every scenario, having a clear vision of what strategy to take can be critical to a great negotiation. Prioritising issues from most to the least important is one way to utilise the allotted time and ensure your client’s issues can be effectively discussed. However, each strategy will have its own strengths and weaknesses and it is up to teams to understand those risks and adapt within each round. Furthermore, strategising allows for teams to anticipate and cater for issues that the opposing team may introduce, allowing for a more substantial negotiation and rounded conclusion. Tips & Tricks • Create summaries, tables and diagrams to keep track of different parties, conflicts and potential interest that might arise. • Negotiation is a marathon not a sprint–make sure you are appropriately using the time to discuss ALL issues present • Be specific with your questioning to prevent wasting time and draw out secret facts • Provide a more cohesive and unified front by creating clear roles for team members

Introduction The negotiation competitions replicate the negotiation process that usually occurs outside of the Courtroom before the litigation. Teams consisting of two students are assigned to a client with the aim of reaching an agreement, either tentative or binding, that best aligns with their respective client’s interest. This competition focuses on maintaining an effective working relationship, bargaining, and strategising.

How Does it Work? Each 50 min round consists of a unique scenario in which two teams composed of two students acting as solicitors seek to represent opposing clients in the matter. Both teams are privileged to a common document of facts that establishes the general dispute and a confidential document that contains information that is sensitive to the client’s respective teams. At the completion of the negotiation session, teams will have a short 10-minute reflective period before engaging in a 10-minute self-analysis. During this time, teams should discuss their performance and accept questions from the judge

Judging Criteria Negotiation planning and strategy employed Adaptability to new information Overall outcome of the session Creativity of options presented The identification of interests Teamwork between members and with the opposing counsel Understanding of ethical and moral obligations Identification of team’s strengths and weaknesses

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Tips and Tricks

from Previous Competitors Brendan Piech

Negotiations Grand Final Winner 2021 What did you get out of the competition personally and professionally? Competing in the negotiation competition is an enriching experience. The high-pressure nature of negotiating requires competing individuals to develop their critical analysis skills, professionalism and courtesy, and creative solution development. Competitors receive high-quality feedback from judges throughout the competition, including previous competitors, Macquarie University alumni and academics. The diplomacy skills developed throughout the competition are applicable regardless of where your career trajectory lies. On top of the professional capabilities and skills developed that extend from competing, the interpersonal connections developed between my negotiations partner and me, fellow competitors, and competition judges can present immense value as you continue your studies at Macquarie. Furthermore, competing in the negotiation competition opened avenues for continued competition involvement in an intervarsity platform. What was the most difficult or unexpected aspect of the competition? Preparing for a negotiation round is no easy task. Teams are provided with common shared facts, with each respective team receiving confidential facts. Throughout the competition, teams must develop their proficiency to holistically understand the factual scenario considering the client’s multiple and sometimes conflicting interests and what potential further information not disclosed is pertinent. Competing in the negotiation competition requires a team to hone their skills and understanding of concepts such as BATNA and WATNA, agreement scopes of authority, ancillary considerations, leverage points and potential concessions. The ability to prepare and be analytically reactive to new information presented during the negotiation is one of the most challenging aspects of the competition and most rewarding when developed. What advice would you give for those undertaking this competition for the first time? The cornerstone foundation of a successful negotiation team features the two team members themselves. Underpinning the success experienced by my negotiations partner and I was the strength and totality of teamwork in which we approached preparation and the negotiation. I would advise teams signing up to the negotiation competition to develop strong trust and rapport before your first round and throughout the stages of the competition. Develop an understanding of your negotiation partner’s preferred strategic approach, thinking style, strengths, and potential weaknesses. Once your team is in a high-pressure negotiation situation, it is crucial to understand each individual’s roles, communicate through verbal and non-verbal cues, and understand the overall negotiation game plan.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

2.3 PAPER PRESENTATION Introduction How to Prepare Picking a Topic Unlike a traditional assignment, the topics available for discussion are chosen by the participant. Picking the right topic can seem daunting and overwhelming, however, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore issues that competitors are passionate about. Whether this is a topic from a previous unit or a contemporary agenda that you find interesting, the aim is to think critically about these issues. Having a passion in the topic assists in creating a prolonged interest and motivation during the research process and development of your written submission. Writing an Essay Creating a plan of main points and key examples is an excellent way to begin addressing any essay. This not only gives a direction for the discussion but also ensures that participants adhere to their topic and avoid tangents. Breaking down the essay into manageable sections through the use of subheadings is another approach competitors can use in writing submissions. Oral Speech Make your speech engaging by translating only the relevant points and key examples from your written work. The speech should not be a transcript of your essay and should include arguments for and against your topic. Brainstorming potential questions from the audience prior to the delivery of the speech will help participants to maintain a level head and reduce errors during the final period of the presentation. Tips & Tricks • Practice setting a pace that allows audience members to process and comprehend the information presented • Connect with the audience by checking physical cues • Be open to revisiting ideas if necessary • Use simple language to convey your message effectively and efficiently

The paper presentation is an individual competition that requires competitors to submit an academic paper on a legal agenda of choice, before presenting their findings to a panel of judges. This competition seeks to provide an opportunity for students to strengthen legal research and writing skills whilst fostering important discussions surrounding relevant and contemporary legal issues. In 2022, the Paper Presentation Competition will be run in collaboration with the MULS Social Justice Portfolio and paper submissions will need to have a social justice focus.

How Does it Work? The competition is divided into two primary sections Written Submission (40 marks) Submissions must be between 2500 and 5000 inclusive of any explanatory or substantive footnotes and comply with the AGLC4 referencing style. Papers must also be void of any identifying or personal information before being submitted. A judge exclusively responsible for assessing the written works will then award a mark out of 40. This judge will not be present during the oral presentation. Oral Presentation (40 marks) Participants are allowed a maximum of 15 minutes to present their paper without interruption. This is followed by a 10 minute period where the audience can question the participant on the material covered. Similar to the written submission, the oral component is also allotted from a total of 40 marks. The winner is the participant with the highest combined score from the oral and written submission.

Judging Criteria Written Submission

The difficulty of the subject matter Presentation of clear and structured ideas Execution of primary and secondary sources

Oral Presentation

Clear structure and logically organized structure of argument Effective use of visual aids, pace, and tone Engagement with audience

Independent, original and insightful treatment of the topic

Mastery of the subject matter with a detailed understanding of issues and scholarship

Adherence to AGLC4 referencing style and correct punctuation and grammar

Direct and focused response to questions

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

2.4 ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR)

Introduction This competition is a culmination of a variety of professional skills into a singular competition. Showcasing important skills developed from client interviews, negotiations, and letters of advice, this competition seeks to replicate the ADR process which is critical to the legal practice. Furthermore, it allows teams consisting of two members to enhance their advocacy skills, teamwork and become more well-rounded as practitioners.

How to Prepare

How Does it Work?

As this competition has many elements, preparation will vary according to which section of the ADR teams are entering. Therefore, it is critical that the client’s interest is prioritized and advocated for through each section.

The competition can be divided into 4 main sections:

Identify the client’s interest

Client Interview (25 minutes)

Under the difference between the client’s interests, wants, and needs. Distinguishing this early on can help the progression of the interview and assist with retrieving critical information about the issue on hand. Furthermore, this can avoid time-wasting and prevent irrelevant discussions from occurring.

Teams will engage in 20-minute client interviews where competitors are expected to extract relevant information, outline the issues and provide a preliminary assessment and resolution. This is followed by a 5-minute post-consultation in which teams are expected to provide self-analysis on the interview and answer any questions posed by the judge. Negotiation (60 minutes) Teams will enter a 50-minute negotiation with an opposing counsel that is privy to the same matter. During this time teams will attempt to reach an agreement that best aligns with their client’s interests. Each team will then have a reflective period of 10 minutes with the judge to discuss the outcome and performance in the negotiation. Letter of Advice (60 minutes) Teams will have 60 minutes to draft a letter of advice that outlines a summary of the interview and presents options available to the client. This letter offers a preliminary application of the law and should observe legal formalities and etiquette. Presentation (15 minutes) Participants are required to present a 10 minute summary of the client case, the ADR conducted by the teams, and the prospect of future litigation. This presentation can be supported by visual aids such as a PowerPoint presentation. Judges are allowed 5 minutes of questions to finish the presentation period.

Have a negotiation strategy Understanding your opposing council’s position and interest is important to a positive outcome in a negotiation. Leveraging this information with your client’s interest in mind can offer avenues for creative and collaborative resolutions.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Time management Rounds with extended time such as letters of advice can be deceivingly short and run participants into the risk of unfinished work. Therefore, it is important to manage time and expectations by prioritizing and dividing tasks between team members. Know your matter, know your client

Judging Criteria Client Interview Assessment of the problem and ability ADR options Teamwork between members and overall outcome Self-analysis of strengths and weaknesses

During the presentation portion of the competition, the team should present their findings succinctly and in chronological order. This will help judges to follow along easily and help prevent confusion and errors by participants. Teams should also be open to reflecting upon their performance throughout the progression of the entire competition. This will assist teams to correct small errors or misinformation and help solidify their client’s interest in their future actions. Tips & Tricks • • •

Have distinct roles within your team to prevent fatigue during the competition Have a timer during the each round to stay on track Have a strategy for each section of the competition

Negotiation Negotiation strategy and flexibility to new information The creativity of options generated Teamwork and collaboration Letter of Advice Preliminary application of the law Exploration of ADR options Application of plain English Presentation Accurately summarises the client’s situation and ADR process Comprehensively outlines the potential outcomes

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Tips and Tricks

from Previous Competitors Taylor McCoy ADR Winner 2021 What did you get out of the competition personally and professionally? As an experienced competitor in Professional Skills Competitions, I was looking for a challenging way to further develop my communication, client rapport and negotiation strategies. During the ADR Championship I was pushed to consider the future implications of my strategic direction on my client as we retained that client and scenario for each round of the competition. The ADR competition also has a letter of advice and partner pitch sections which is a unique opportunity for self reflection and analysis of the matter at hand, and provided myself and my partner valuable practice in presenting legal issues to a variety of audiences. What was the most difficult or unexpected aspect of the competition? One aspect of the competition I found the most challenging was how little time you have to prepare between rounds. As the competition consists of four rounds over a single day, you really have to be on the ball and able to use the limited time available in the most productive way. I had to adjust my normal approach to negotiations where I had a fortnight to prepare and really focus on the interests of the client and what aspects of the scenario lended themselves to negotiating with opposing counsel. Whilst at the time it was incredibly stressful to write a letter of advice and prepare a partner pitch in under an hour, learning how to adapt my approach under time pressure was a valuable experience. What advice would you give for those undertaking this competition for the first time? At the risk of sounding cliche, practice practice practice. Myself and my partner had previously competed together in Client Interview and Negotiation competitions but we still took the time to do a practice round in preparation for the competition. By doing this you will be able to assign roles and responsibilities which will save you time on the day. For example, typically my partner would sit back and listen, summarise and take notes whilst I was responsible for executing our strategy. This meant when it came to preparing our letter of advice, my partner was well positioned to fully explain the scenario and the results of the negotiation whilst I addressed the key legal issues and the recommended way forward.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

ADVOCACY COMPETITIONS

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

3.1 MOOTING What is mooting? A moot is a simulated court proceeding in which students are faced with a legal issue they must resolve. The issue will be based on an appeal from a previous court decision on the scenario, and will require the appellant team to argue as to why the previous decision should be overturned, with the respondent team attempting to uphold it. Teams present both written and oral arguments before the judges, just as would occur in a real court case.

Structure 1.

Prior to the competition, participants are provided with a hypothetical scenario which will require them to use their legal knowledge and skills to prepare written submissions in support of their argument. Each team will then share their submissions with the other side. 2. Each team will allocate two members, known as senior and junior counsel, to present their side’s oral submissions to the judges. 3. Throughout this speaking time, judges will periodically interrupt speakers to clarify aspects of their team’s argument. This is a great opportunity for competitors to demonstrate their knowledge of the law and their understanding of its relevance to the scenario at hand. 4. Once both the appellant and respondent teams have finished presenting their arguments, the judges will retire to consider the results of the competition. Then, once the results have been announced, feedback will be provided to competitors.

Tips & Tricks

Do your research. Preparation is imperative in mooting, and you should be doing a hefty amount of research when building up your argument. It is important to consider what the legal issues arising are and aim to find recent and influential decisions to support your case. It is also recommended that competitors think about the contentious issues within the question, and draft potential responses to questions asked by the bench. Summarise your cases. Your submission must be founded in statute and common law. Making a case summary is a great way to make sure you understand its legal relevance and gives you an easy reference point for revision. Read the question carefully! Another important thing to consider is the factual scenario. While understanding the relevant law is important, being able to apply it to the factual scenario appropriately is crucial. Being able to identify the minor details within the factual scenario is essential for persuading a judge and in turn, success in mooting. Read and understand the mooting handbook. This will help you to understand the process of the moot and the guidelines and etiquette you must abide by. Signpost. Think about this in terms of making it easier for the judges to understand and follow your argument. Judges shouldn’t be looking at your written submissions in confusion, but rather concentrating on what you are presenting. Thus, it is recommended that you take the effort to outline and indicate your arguments at the beginning of your submissions. Lastly, keep mooting! While we’ve all heard it before, practice is the best way to learn. You may not have performed as well as you would’ve hoped in some competitions but use that as your drive to learn more and succeed in future moots!

Judging Criteria

Organisation of Presentation: Mooting focuses on a competitors’ ability to present a clear and logical argument. Competitors should have a strong knowledge of the relevant law, whether it be legal tests, principles, or exceptions. More importantly, the ability to convey arguments in a logical and orderly structure is considered, as the end goal is being able to effectively persuade the judge. Development of Argument: This examines the depth of knowledge competitors have about a specific area of law by assessing the extent to which the legal principles submitted can be applied to the relevant facts. More importantly, as questions often feature contentious areas of law, it seeks arguments which are adaptable and anticipatory to opposing arguments. Questions from the Bench: The best advice here is to use questions to your advantage. Judges seek competitors who engage with their comments, questions, and views. It is highly recommended that competitors use this as an opportunity to both clarify and integrate their arguments, but also take lead of the conversation where necessary to avoid potentially irrelevant or distracting questions. Those who can answer difficult or obscure questions with eloquence, precision and confidence are more likely to perform better during the moot.

Manner and Expression: A conversational tone is essential. The aim of mooting is not simply to force through your arguments as these are already presented in your written submission. Instead, judges want to be guided through them. Competitors who can engage with questions and concerns from the bench while respectfully explaining their submissions will receive higher marks. The focus here is not only on public speaking skills and court formalities, but also the manner in which competitors have conducted themselves while addressing the complexities of the case and delivering their written submissions. Written Submissions: While there is no official format for written submissions higher marks will be awarded to submissions which concentrate on covering the issues raised by the question and are presented in a well-structured, succinct manner. Those which pay attention to minor details such as citations and demonstrate research skills by featuring recent cases, show a higher degree of preparation and skill.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Foundations Moot How Does it Work? If you are a first year law student you are eligible to compete in the Herbert Smith Freehills Foundations of Law Moot! This moot is designed for first year law students to gain exposure to competitions in a supportive setting. It is a gentle introduction to mooting with the research materials provided to you and a number of preliminary rounds to focus on improving your skills. It also acts as a great way to develop your professional advocacy skills with your peers. The competition is structured with a set of three preliminary rounds, followed by two further final rounds and culminating in a grand final round accessible to friends and family!

Prerequisites • First year LLB or JD student. • No prior university mooting experience

Tips and Tricks

from Previous Competitors Sharni Selzer Foundations of Law Moot Winner and Best Speaker 2021 What is the benefit to competing in a moot in your first year? The Foundations moot allows you to develop your legal reasoning and articulation skills early on, which will give you an edge in future competitions. It is the best place to make mistakes and to learn how to moot. Mooting also helped me to meet new people at university, which was great as online learning had made that more difficult. How has mooting impacted your studies? Competing in the Foundations moot allowed me to practice forming legal arguments and expressing these ideas in an articulate way. When it came time to tackle the theoretical problems questions given in class, I felt so prepared! What advice would you give to future competitors? Take a second to breathe! In the heat of the competition, when time is ticking it can seem that the most logical way to answer a judge’s question is just to ramble off the first thing that comes to mind. In reality, this could mean you say something not entirely correct or say something valuable that gets lost in the jumble of filler words. When you receive a question from the panel, you do not need to answer right away! Take a second to breathe to think clearly about what you would like to say and articulate it clearly and succinctly. Daniel Ilag Foundations of Law Moot Winner 2021 What is the benefit to competing in a moot in your first year? Competing in that first moot gave me a sense of extra involvement within MULS, allowed me to better understand legislation and case law, and improved my legal writing. How has mooting impacted your studies? My studies have greatly improved as I got higher grades in my second semester than my first semester. Drafting up written submissions and planning my oral submissions allowed me to refine my skills in concise legal writing and expression. What advice would you give to future competitors? No matter who you are, you can participate in mooting. At first, I felt so out of place, not really knowing anything about mooting at all and I did it thinking there was no harm. After my first win, I was so interested in how to get better and learn more with my teammate. It turned out well for me, as we ended up figuring it out pretty well and winning the competition! I highly recommend anyone who is even somewhat interested should register and try it out for themselves!

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Novice Moot How Does it Work? The Novice Moot is for students in their second year or above who have never mooted before. The questions for the novice moot will either be based on contract law and/or criminal law. The structure of the novice moot is exactly the same as any other mooting competition, and it’s a great way to gain experience mooting as a law student and further enhance your research and communication skills.

Tips and Tricks

from Previous Competitors Thomas Burke Mooting has been one of the best experiences associated with studying law at Macquarie University. I was drawn to the idea of a competition in which I could learn through a practical approach. The challenge of making submissions to judges that could test and disagree with you was both nerve racking and rewarding. The opportunity to overcome this challenge through research and preparation with a like minded team is an experience that has proven incredibly valuable.

Zac Condon Mooting was an experience that has proved to be immensely beneficial for my law degree and future in law. Practically engaging with legal scenarios in a litigation environment has equipped me with a variety of skills vital for my development in the legal sphere. Mooting also provided me with a more authentic view of what legal work actually entails, an invaluable insight which places the rest of my studies in context. Porsha Bolte Mooting has proven to be one of the most rewarding experiences that I have had the opportunity to be involved in at Macquarie University. The practical skills that this competition allows participants to learn and refine, both on an individual and team-orientated front, are extremely applicable to law students’ studies. I found ‘the novice moot’ competition to be a supportive and engaging platform for people who are wanting to expand their practical skills and challenge themselves. Jade Bunt Participating in the Novice Moot competition was an enriching and highly rewarding experience that I would definitely recommend to all law students. This competition provided a practical opportunity to engage with content studied in past units, as well as a unique glance as to how the law is applied in its real world setting. Having an opportunity to connect with and get first hand insight from accomplished industry professionals also gave me and my teammates greater confidence in our legal skills, and some great LinkedIn connections!

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Subject Based Moot - Contracts Moot & Criminal Moot How does it work? MULS’ subject-based moots are designed to provide a challenging yet rewarding experience for students wishing to develop their written and oral advocacy skills. The competitions focus on specific areas of law, such as criminal law and contract law, which allows participants to put into practice the knowledge and skills they have learnt within core units of their law degree. These moots also provide competitors with an opportunity to work with other high-achieving law students and network with legal professionals. While all students are eligible to compete, these competitions are ideal for students who have prior mooting experience.

Tips and Tricks

from Previous Competitors Marcelo Gonzalez Danke Contracts Moot Grand Final Winner 2021 How has mooting impacted your university studies and professional development? Mooting has been the single greatest decision I made with respect to my university studies and professional development! In challenging myself through legal competitions such as these, I have developed my ability to effectively conduct legal research, develop advocacy and speaking skills, in addition to networking with senior industry professionals. It has also allowed me to become more involved in our university law society, MULS, thereby allowing me to meet many of our wonderful peers and becoming more involved in university life. Having said that, mooting is not an undertaking that should be taken lightly and it will take a significant portion of your time in liaising and discussing with your team; I wouldn’t take more than one or maybe two at a time. What kinds of topics and issues did you explore within the competition? Topics and issues will generally arise from the unit content of an area of law. For example, last year for the UTS x MULS Contract Law Moot the subject matter was whether or not an equitable disposition of real property could be made in the circumstances where the written requirements were not fulfilled. What was the biggest challenge you faced while competing and how did you overcome it? The biggest challenge I have faced with competing has been the effective management and leadership of a mooting team in order to ensure: an equitable distribution of workload; a proficient understanding of the subject material for speakers; and, an effective team.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Championship Moot How Does it Work The Championship Moot is aimed at students who have demonstrated success in mooting and are looking for a challenging mooting competition to participate in. Questions can relate to various areas of law such as, contract law, criminal law, tort law, constitutional law etc. This competition is only available to mooters with previous experience and will run in Semester 1, 2022.

Tips and Tricks

from Previous Competitors Farrah Mikhail Championship Moot Winner 2021 What can I expect to learn from competing in the MULS Championship Moot competition? The MULS Championship Moot Competition will accentuate the same set of skills you would develop in any other moot offered by MULS. You can expect to develop your legal research skills as the question is likely to be based on a particularly contentious legal issue. Court etiquette will be especially important as it has been held in the Supreme Court of NSW. You can also expect to develop your public speaking skills and confidence as engaging with the panel will be judged according to a high standard. Tomas Ditton Championship Moot Winner 2021 Will the experience gained from competing be useful once I graduate? The experience gained from competing will be highly useful once you graduate. I currently work at barristers’ chambers. The research skills and court etiquette that I learnt from competing in the Championship Moot and other moots have been invaluable. Moreover, competing in the moot will improve your knowledge of the law, your ability to think analytically, your ability to think on your feet, your oral and written communication skills, and your teamwork skills. Even if you do not want to go to the bar, these are vital skills to any budding legal professional. What unexpected benefit did you gain from competing in the MULS Championship Moot? The unexpected benefit that I gained from competing in the MULS Championship Moot was that it helped me to improve my networking skills. As a nascent legal professional, one should be trying to develop a network on all levels of the profession. Accordingly, building relationships with both your opponents, teammates, and the judges in front of whom you appear is advisable. This can take the form of requesting to add them on LinkedIn and or to meet up with them to have a coffee and discuss the legal profession. With judges, this should be done after the round has ended.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Diversity/Pride Moot 2021 MULS hosted the Inaugural Diversity and Pride Moot Competition to In reflect our ongoing commitment to equality and representation throughout our society and its initiatives. This competition will be hosted once again this year with a focus on issues affecting the LGBTQI+ community. Areas of law touched on in this competition may include workplace discrimination, marriage and relationships, and family law. For example, last year’s competition concerned General Protections under the Fair Work Act and complaints concerning adverse treatment in the workplace due to an individual’s gender identity. Teams of 2-4 are eligible to enter and preliminary rounds will commence during the mid-semester break in Session 2. This competition is a great stepping stone towards competing at an intervarsity level, with the Australian National University hosting an intervarsity Gender Identity and Sexuality Moot in September each year which is open to law schools across Australia and New Zealand.

Tips and Tricks

from Previous Competitors Tendai Gezimati Diversity/Pride Moot Winner 2021 What was your favourite part of the competition? My favourite part of participating in the competition was the preparation and research process. Preparing for a moot is a rewarding journey that takes you deep into case law/ legislation and really builds your legal knowledge in areas that you might not typically delve into casually. Gaining an extensive understanding of how the law interacts with your given case and formulating arguments that either align with current legal interpretations or advocate for an alternative approach is a profoundly enjoyable experience that builds confidence leading up to the oral presentations and allows you to put your best foot forward without relying heavily on notes or a speech. What makes a strong competition team? I believe an important element that strong mooting teams possess is versatility. Whilst Delegation is key in the beginning, to sift through the case materials, having an overall understanding of your teams’ entire arguments on either side is imperative to effectively and critically identify and target weaknesses and strengths in your arguments. Whilst speaking confidence may vary within teams, regular team meetings to discuss and work through the case materials and develop arguments are where individual research and work gets refined and you are able to dig into the crux of the legal issues at hand. Why would you recommend students participate in the Diversity and Pride Moot Competition? I would recommend all students consider participating in this competition as it touches on areas of the law that are important to consider and analyse not only for aspiring advocates in this sector but also as a means of strong allyship for our wider community. Gender and sexual identity and discrimination within the law can function on multiple levels, from legal employment to social interactions and exclusion and learning the ways in which the law effectively protects and, in some scenarios, fails to protect ones right against discrimination is something that I am very grateful to have been able to immerse myself in and has greatly enriched my legal journey as a future advocate and as an active member of the workforce and MQ community.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

3.2 WITNESS EXAMINATION How Does it Work? The Witness Examination (WitEx) Competition provides students with the opportunity to act as a barrister in a civil or criminal trial. It involves a shortened version of all the main components of a real trial: opening statements, examination in chief, cross-examination, and closing arguments. Competitors are randomly allocated to either the prosecution or defence side and provided a witness who will receive a witness statement prior to the commencement of the round. Competitors are required to think on their feet, utilizing witness testimonies to present a clear and consistent case based on the available evidence. Competitors are required to balance the duties of establishing credibility for their own witness and extracting further beneficial evidence, whilst attempting to convey the inconsistencies of the opposing witness during cross-examination.

Structure The Witness Examination competition is structured as follows: 1. Competitors will receive witness statements and the relevant law for their trials 90 minutes prior to the competition round. 2. Competitors will then brief their witnesses as to what they should expect during the trial. 3. Competitors will give their appearances. 4. The prosecution will present their opening statement and complete an examination-in-chief of their witness. 5. The defence will cross examine the prosecution’s witness. 6. The defence will present their opening statement and complete an examination-in-chief of their witness. 7. The prosecution will cross-examine the defence’s witness. 8. Judge(s) will announce the result and provide feedback to competitors.

How to Prepare The approach competitors take to preparing for the WitEx Competition varies compared to many of the other competitions offered by MULS. This is because the scenario is provided 90 minutes before the commencement of the round. Consequently, competitors should utilize this limited window of time to effectively process the witness statements provided, brief the witness, formulate their case for trial and identify key lines of questioning. Initial Preparation: It is recommended that competitors revise the rules of evidence and understand breaches under evidence law. Having a comprehensive knowledge about what questions are permissible under examination and what evidence is objectionable will often be looked upon favourably by judges. If you have no previous experience, have a look at recordings of previous final rounds to familiarise yourself with how the competition operates. Before Trial: • Competitors should utilize this time to effectively understand the charges that have been laid against the defendant. • Review each statement and identify the facts which are likely to be disputed. • Develop their case theory. • Prepare potential questions to prove your case theory. • Draft the key ideas for your opening and closing statements.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Tips and Tricks Know your facts It is recommended that competitors focus on developing a strong case theory, ensuring that it is persuasive and plausible given the evidence provided by witnesses. Consider the fact that your opponent is seeking to destroy the credibility of your theory and while the case theory can be developed slightly in response to the evidence provided by the witness, it should be minimal. Preparation of the Witness: Competitors should be careful that they are not ‘coaching’ the witness as judges are very likely to pick up on this. However, it is useful to advise the witness on what the other side is likely to ask – the purpose is not to prepare in advance, but rather to extract all the evidence you need and address any issues which may arise from witness statements! During Trial: Opening statements should be succinct, contain a summary of the facts, outline what needs to be proven, the relevant law and offer a general idea of what direction your argument will take. Utilize a natural conversational style to ensure the witness feels at ease while presenting their version of events and ensure you reinforce important details to increase a witness’s credibility. Use open-ended questions to facilitate the witnesses’ story, but do not encourage them to ramble or avoid the question. Questioning during cross-examination should be in a leading form, using questions which often only require the witness to reply in simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. The focus should be on attempting to discredit both the evidence that is damaging to your case theory and the witness themselves. The closing address focuses on summarising the entire case, with information extracted from both witnesses and the cross-examination conducted. Once again, being clear, succinct, and highlighting the strongest points is important for better results.

Judging Criteria Judges will mark competitors based on their: Opening and closing statement Examination-in-chief and crossexamination Ability to develop a case theory Manner and expression of their argument Knowledge and application of Evidence Law

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Tips and Tricks

from Previous Competitors Jacqueline Stark Witness Examination Runner Up 2021

Morgan Graham Witness Examination Finalist 2021

What can I expect to learn from competing in the MULS Witness Examination competition? Witness Examination is a great introduction to basic courtroom procedure, and lets you put what you’ve learnt in subjects like Evidence into practice. It’s also a really good way to develop other general skills, like public speaking, quickly adapting to various circumstances, and problem-solving, particularly trying to find different approaches to the same issue.

What was your favourite part of competing in the MULS Witness Examination competition? My favourite part of competing in the WitEx competition was getting to really engage with the material posed in the question. This competition requires you to look into the circumstances of your client, form a winning argument, make opening and closing statements and examine witnesses, all while abiding to court rules and procedures therefore you really get involved in the matter and are able to practice a range of advocacy skills all at once. The questions also ranged between civil and criminal proceedings which was a nice contrast to other professional skills competitions such as negotiations, which largely involve civil matters.

Whilst competing, what challenge did you face and how did you overcome it? The short turnaround time between getting the witness statements and competing was a big challenge at first. This competition really forces you to think on your feet both during prep and responding to witnesses as you go. As with most things, the more you practice, the more confident you get, and I definitely became more comfortable as the rounds went on. Will the experience gained from competing be useful once I graduate? Absolutely! Even though I’m not sure if I want to become a lawyer, WitEx allowed me to develop a range of communication and problem-solving skills that I’m sure will be helpful wherever I end up.

What unexpected benefit did you gain from competing in the MULS Witness Examinations competition? I was expecting to be challenged by the WitEx competition, it is very different to other ones I had competed in in the past and it is the only competition where we do not have at least one teammate there with you to lean on. The unexpected benefit I received from this was the reassurance that I was capable of engaging in all of the required skills alone, in combination and in an intensive environment – we are only given three hours preparation time before each round which definitely flies once you start reading into the matter. I would definitely recommend competing in this competition if you wish to push yourself and apply a range of practical skills that you otherwise would largely only get a theoretical opportunity to engage with while studying.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

INTERVARSITY COMPETITIONS

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Introduction Intervarsity competitions provide Macquarie law students the opportunity to develop their legal skills by competing with students from other universities both within Australia and overseas. These competitions are designed to give experienced competitors the chance to represent Macquarie against other universities in an opportunity that exposes them to the new ideas and perspectives practiced by other universities, professional judges working in the legal industry, and the ability to broaden their legal skills and proficiencies. Competing in intervarsity competitions also provides the great opportunity to network with peers and professionals outside of Macquarie, which may include the opportunity to travel.

How to Prepare Intervarsity competitions include a large array of professional legal competitions, thereby specific preparation procedures will ultimately be dependent on the type of competition for which you are registering for. The MULS website at muls.org contains a number of recorded grand finals which are excellent material in order to acquaint oneself with the process of any given competition format.

Structure Bilateral Intervarsity Competitions

Intervarsity Tournaments

A bilateral intervarsity competition is held between a small number of teams from two different universities. These competitions generally consist of a single grand final round, prior to which ample time of preparation is given for teams to perform their best. Such competitions include: the Margaret Cunneen Witness Examination Competition; the MULS v SULS Client Interview Competition; and the Sir John Peden Contract Law Moot.

An intervarsity tournament is a competition held between multiple teams from a number of different universities. They generally follow the same format as internal competitions, with preliminary rounds followed by a number of final rounds; concluding at a grand final. Such competitions include: the Baker McKenzie Women’s Moot; the UTS LSS Intervarsity Negotiation Competition; the Hon Michael Kirby Contract Law Moot; and the UTS LSS Intervarsity Legal Technology Moot.

MULS Environmental Law Mooting Competition Introduction Macquarie University has a strong history of involvement in environmental law. Established in 1983, the Centre for Environmental Law (CEL) builds on the research strength and expertise of its academic staff in the area of biodiversity law and governance. The flagship MULS Environmental Law Mooting Competition, which will invite law students across NSW to moot on a problem of environmental law, a field that is particularly pertinent and rapidly developing at the moment. The question can focus on any of the following topics: trade and environment, water law and governance, pollution and environmental regulation, Indigenous peoples, customary law and natural resource management, or climate change.

How does it work? The general structure of the competition consists of three preliminary rounds, followed by a quarterfinals, semi-finals, and ultimately culminating in a grand final round.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Tips and Tricks

from Previous Competitors Imogen Bryant Previous Environmental Law Moot Competitor Why would you recommend participating in the MULS Environmental Moot? The MULS Environmental Moot is a brilliant opportunity for students, because it encompasses so many facets of the law. In 2020, the Moot question involved elements of Constitutional and Property Law, and in 2021, the question tested our knowledge of Administrative Law. As environmental and planning law engages with almost all aspects of the law, this Moot requires your team to undertake a lot of independent research, as well as revisiting elements of your previous university subjects. For example, our team delved into aspects of climate change litigation cases, international treaties like the Paris Agreement, as well as a broad range of NSW legislation on mining and environmental development. This competition encourages you to monitor recent developments in the law - even so far as refreshing the Caselaw NSW website every morning! What are some unexpected challenges you encountered when participating in this sort of competition? There can be a lot of tricky technicalities in this area of law, such as scientific standards regarding climate change, or categories of licences, or even ecological or geographical terminology. It can be daunting when starting out with your research to understand what all these things mean, and how all they fit together, but having finished the competition we all were impressed with how much we had learned. Working as a team to do comprehensive research is important in this competition, particularly when it comes to presenting to skilled environmental lawyers and even members of the judiciary. What qualities are necessary to achieve success in an intervarsity moot? It’s important to be flexible with your mooting style, and intervarsity moots are a great way of learning some new tips and tricks from other mooters. Presentation structure and written submissions layout can vary between the different university law societies, so noticing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach can be valuable in moving forward to different rounds or competitions. As with internal competitions, it is important always to defer to the judge, and to take note of their feedback each round. Whilst it may be disheartening not to win your moot, your feedback will often be incredibly thorough and valuable, and it’s important to integrate what they’ve told you in order to keep improving throughout your mooting career. The judges are ultimately volunteering their time to help you become the best advocate you can be.

MULS v SULS ADR Modelled after the MULS ADR Championship, this competition will be hosted in-person at Macquarie University and shall feature two rounds consisting of a client interview followed by a negotiation based on the same scenario. The scenario will likely pose several issues which teams will have to navigate in a short space of time whilst also maintaining client rapport. Due to the structure of this competition, MULS will be nominating two teams of two students for this competition.

Margaret Cunneen Witness Examination Competition The competition is run each year with the University of Technology Sydney and is gratefully adjudicated by Margaret Cunneen SC. It takes the form of a one-off grand final style round where teams will compete against each other once. Applications are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate law students. Applicants can be from any year of law however strong witness examination experience will be essential for selection. Strong experience as a witness in previous competitions will also be essential for selection as a witness.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

ADC-ICC Asia Pacific Mediation Competition

Commercial

The Annual ADC-ICC Asia-Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition creates a unique opportunity for university students to practice their negotiation skills in a commercial mediation setting; an essential area of dispute resolution in international commercial law. Competing teams represent two sides of an international commercial dispute, with members assuming the roles of the Client and Counsel. A qualified professional mediates the dispute and distinguished judges assess how well the teams have advanced their interests. This is the world’s largest moot exclusively devoted to international commercial mediation. For more information, please visit https://disputescentre. com.au/apcmc/

Philip C. JESSUP International Law Moot Competition The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition (Jessup) is the world’s oldest and largest international mooting competition, now running for 70 years with over 700 law schools from all over the world regularly competing. The competition involves teams of up to 5 law students producing written and oral submissions on a detailed problem involving issues of international law. The Australian qualifying rounds are normally held in Canberra in February with the Australian final normally conducted in the High Court of Australia.. The Jessup season officially begins in September, so keep an eye out in your emails and on the MULS Facebook Page for the Jessup information evening run by coordinator Shireen Daft.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Tips and Tricks

from Previous Competitors Jacqueline Stark Jessup Competitor 2022

Annabelle Elliot Jessup Competitor 2022

What advice would you give students thinking about applying for Jessup? If you’re interested in Jessup, just apply! It has been simultaneously my favourite and the most challenging part of my law degree so far, and I would absolutely recommend putting an application in and seeing what happens, particularly if you like public international law and/or mooting. In the meantime, participating in internal moots is a great way to develop some of the research and presentation skills that are at the centre of the Jessup competition.

What advice would you give students thinking about applying for Jessup? Jessup is the world’s largest and most prestigious moot court competition. When you mention it to people in the legal field, they know exactly what it is and view it favourably for a reason – it comes with a heavy load of responsibility, time, dedication, and sacrifice. I am a firm believer that a willingness to give these things to the competition is what makes for not only an attractive applicant, but also an enjoyable Jessup experience. So, my biggest piece of advice to those considering applying would be to seriously think about whether you are ready and able to rise to the demands of Jessup and, if you genuinely are, then I strongly encourage you to apply. With all that scary stuff being said, it truly has been the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my law degree so far, and I would highly recommend it to any student who is eager to prove to themselves exactly what they are capable of.

What have you found to be your favourite part of preparing for Jessup so far? As someone who is interested in international law, Jessup has been a great way to learn more about a wide variety of legal and policy issues, beyond what would ever be covered in a textbook. I’ve loved working really closely with the team over the last 4 months, developing our arguments and debating about them, preparing our memorials, and practising oral arguments. It has been more challenging than I ever thought it would be, but learning so much and seeing everything come together has been absolutely worth it.

What have you found to be your favourite part of preparing for Jessup so far? As alluded to in my previous answer, I think my favourite part of Jessup has been proving to myself, and watching my teammates prove to themselves, that we are capable of far more than we ever gave ourselves credit for. The challenges that Jessup throws at its competitors cannot be overstated, and each time our team has overcome those challenges or reached another goal has been just as fulfilling as the last. As well as this, these challenges are bound to change the students who undertake Jessup – and it has been so exciting to watch how rapidly both myself and my teammates have grown and strengthened our skills over the last couple of months together. So, in short, my favourite part of preparing for Jessup so far has been seeing what comes from overcoming the obstacles that the competition has lined up for its competitors.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Juris Doctor Students

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

How can JD students get involved in competitions? Competitions are a great way of learning new skills, making friends and networking! Juris Doctor students can expect to learn a lot from participating in competitions, such as: extensive understanding of competition structures, the ability to locate legal issues and apply legal knowledge. Competitions can be seen as a little intimidating, but from the JD Executive experience, we can confidently say that they are both exciting and rewarding. The best way to get involved is to start with beginner level competitions and find a buddy to join you. Having a good friend to participate with you overcomes the intimidating aspect and helps you enjoy the whole experience. Moreover, the MULS Competitions portfolio are a great and helpful team to reach out to in understanding the dynamics of a specific competition. Sitting in the audience of a competition is another great way to see how the competition unfolds! This is a valuable opportunity to gain an insider perspective on what to expect when you compete and access feedback from the judges. After these competitions, there is time to network with the participants, reach out to the competitors and ask for advice and general tips.

JD and Postgraduate

Executive’s Past Experiences Aryana (JD Careers Executive) - Junior Client Interview

Carla (JD and Postgrad Director) - Foundations Moot

My first experience in a competition was the Junior Client Interview Competition. In this competition, I had to structure a client interview in which I had to identify key legal issues, navigate obstacles, and present to the client dispute resolution methods to resolve their issues. This is a great competition to start with as it focuses more on interpersonal skills rather than legal knowledge. It teaches law students how to be understanding of a client and their situation, but also, to keep an eye out on upcoming ethical issues or dilemmas that need attention. My teammate and I ultimately went through 6 rounds and 17 teams and won the competition! The best thing about this competition is that my interpersonal skills have definitely excelled, and it has assisted me both currently in my career and will for the future!

In 2020, I competed in the Foundations Moot over Zoom (an atypical experience due to the chaos that was 2020!) which was both nerve wracking and rewarding. This is a great way to put the knowledge you learn in Foundations to the test and practice your quick thinking and public speaking skills. We competed against students from both the JD and LLB cohort and found ourselves challenged by the harsh (yet fair) judges. I definitely recommend all first years give this moot a try, it is a low-pressure way to get involved when you have no or low levels of competitions experience!

Another great competition to start with is the Novice Moot. This moot is designed as a beginner’s competition where the content is predominantly focused on Foundations of Law, Contracts and Criminal Justice. This is a great competition for JD students as it caters for students who are yet to participate in competitions and do not have extensive competing or legal experience.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

FROM THE BENCH

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

What is your favourite way to unwind? At the moment it is listening to podcasts. I find they are a great escape and there are some truly excellent ones out there. Some of my favourites are Conversations with Richard Fidler (who, on the side, was a member of the Doug Anthony Allstars - a group of comedians/band that would play in the old UBar back when I was doing my first degree at MQU), 99% invisible and This American Life. I also really recommend Anthropocene Reviewed in which John Green (who wrote The Fault in our Stars) reviews facets of the human-centred planet on a five-star scale - just brilliant!.

Dr Amanda Head Macquarie Law School Sessional Academic and Professional Skills Judge

In your opinion, what was the most notable moment in the Australian legal landscape for 2021? I am a former family lawyer so for me it was the merger of the two courts (Family Court and Federal Circuit Court). Time will tell what impact this will have on the Australian family law legal landscape. Watch this space…. Why should students compete in advocacy/professional skills competitions? Oh, so many reasons: developing highly relevant skills almost goes without saying; meeting new people (other students, academic staff and industry professionals); trying your hand at putting the theory into practice; increasing confidence and the ability to think on your feet; its is also always very well received by prospective employers. What was the most memorable performance in a competition that you have judged? I would have to say it was when I was judging a client interview competition between MQU and USYD. The two students representing MQU were two of my former students from Law Lawyers and Society. I was so incredibly proud of their performance and application of the skills they learnt in my unit. They really give the USYD students a run for their money. How can students best prepare for a competition? As I was once advised by a judge I worked for: “always make sure you are thoroughly prepared”. Good preparation always shines through. What are the ingredients for a good competition team? Good communication skills (within the team) and understanding each other’s strengths and playing to those strengths.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Why should students compete in advocacy/professional skills competitions? The speaking and critical thinking skills you gain in these competitions are great confidence boosters for when you take your degree into the workforce. Your first time in court or first time conferencing a client will probably be a nerve-wracking experience. Although, you’ll feel a lot more confident if you have a few moots and/or client interviews under your belt.

Andy Dong Makinson d’Apice Lawyers and MULS Competition Legend

How has your competitions experience shaped your professional life? At work I often bump into solicitors and barristers that have previously judged me in competitions. These contacts are always friendly, willing to chat and have been a great source of professional guidance for me. Networking is very important in the legal profession, and competitions is a great way to make some friends. How can students best prepare for a competition? Attend the information session and ask lots of questions. Also, make use of the competition guides that MULS will provide you. These guides were designed in a “addon” fashion, with competitors, judges and MULS executives from each cohort adding content. They are full of helpful pointers. What are the ingredients for a good competition team? Be willing to jump into the deep end, welcome everything as a learning opportunity, and have a great sense of humour.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

What is your favourite way to unwind? I enjoy going for hikes on local trails around Sydney. Exploring a new trail is a great way to take my mind off a busy week.

Matthew Harris Lawyer at Piper Alderman and Past MULS Competitions Winner

In your opinion, what was the most notable moment in the Australian legal landscape for 2021? In 2021 there were many notable moments in the Australian legal landscape. Despite the COVID situation continuing into 2021, the Australian legal profession continued to advance the interests of the people they represent. I think one of the most notable moments in the Australian legal landscape for 2021 was the passage of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Sexual Consent Reforms) Bill 2021. Outside of law reform, the legal profession’s continued adaptation to the changing conditions posed by the pandemic was, in my view, highly notable. Why should students compete in advocacy/professional skills competitions? Being involved in competitions at university is a fantastic way to develop the skills necessary for success in your subjects but also as a lawyer if you choose to join the profession. Competing also allows you to meet a wide range of people from across the university and also from across Australia. Receiving feedback from some esteemed members of the profession, including real judges was a real highlight of competing for me and I encourage every law student to give competitions a go, even if you think you’ve got no hope of winning, you might surprise yourself! What was the most memorable performance in a competition that you have judged? A few years ago I was fortunate enough to judge the general rounds of the Witness Examination National Championships in Melbourne. The most memorable ‘performance’ was that of the volunteer acting as a witness in the proceedings. To say that this witness put on an Oscar-worthy performance would be an understatement! How has your competitions experience shaped your professional life? Competitions are a great way to get a taste of a future in the legal profession. For me, I use the skills I developed doing mooting today as a commercial litigator. Whether it is learning how to work in a team, researching difficult points of law, to thinking on my feet, competitions have taught me much of what I use today as a practitioner. How can students best prepare for a competition? The best way to prepare for a competition is to make use of the resources published by MULS and to attend the information evenings. Don’t be afraid to talk to more experienced students about their experience in competitions and ask them for tips. Make sure you know the law behind your client’s case back to front so that you can answer any curly questions from the bench. What are the ingredients for a good competition team? The best competitions teams are those that all share a common goal. Whether that is winning a grand final or getting through the general rounds of competition, being in sync with your team and their level of commitment to the competition is the foundation of any group. Next, keeping communication channels open around workload and deadlines is critical to success as a team. Finally, make sure you all have some fun!

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

How can students best prepare for a competition? Going in with a proper mindset is very important. Have an open mind, be prepared to have fun and try your best. Don’t be scared of making mistakes (everyone does) and learn from them. Soak up all the knowledge and advice your judges share with you. Secondly, understanding how the competition is judged and marked will allow you to most effectively target those areas in your preparation and performance. What are the ingredients for a good competition team? Matt Lo

Communication and determination. Good communication will allow you to prepare well and delegate roles during the competition. It’ll also ensure you debrief effectively after each round, identify where you went wrong and how you can improve for the next round. Determination will ensure you’re able to pick yourselves up after each round, especially the ones where you get a lot of harsh feedback, and look ahead to the next. Why should students compete in advocacy/professional skills competitions? You’ll develop and improve key skills for your professional life and also your personal life. Advocacy competitions will sharpen your public speaking skills, your ability to argue a point and stay calm under pressure and your development of a cohesive and supported argument. In professional skills, you’ll develop the ability to understand clients holistically, ask intelligent questions and think creatively to solve complex problems. You’ll also meet a lot of people and have a lot of fun! What is your favourite way to unwind? I like going out into nature and seeing animals, especially cows.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

WHICH MULS COMPETITION SHOULD YOU DO: STAR SIGN EDITION

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

Aries

March 21 - April 19 As a dynamic fire sign, you are bold and ambitious in your legal studies. You are eager to dive head first into any challenge and enjoy a bit of friendly competition. This confidence and competitive nature makes you likely for success in our Championship Moot, which is hosted at the Supreme Court each year.

Taurus

April 20 - May 20 You are one with nature and enjoy relaxing under a tree or by the ocean. Calm under pressure and level headed, you are not easily swayed or unnerved. You are likely to thrive in the Environmental Law Moot as you will not crack easily under the bench’s questions and can enjoy discussing issues affecting our planet.

Libra

September 23 - October 22 Represented by the scales, Libra’s strive to find an equilibrium in all aspects of their life. As Libras are governed by Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, Libras strive to find equality and balance in society alongside their passion for fine arts. The Diversity and Pride Moot is the perfect competition for you to have important discussions about social equality.

Scorpio

October 23 - November 21 Often mistaken for a fire sign, Scorpios are fueled by emotional energy. Scorpios are notoriously calculating which is often interpreted as a negative trait, but in fact it allows you to work smart not hard and analyse the things around you. You are also incredibly driven and ambitious which comes across in your ability to confidently communicate with others. Therefore, your cunning nature is perfect to tackle the challenges of the Contract Law Moot.

Gemini

May 21 - June 20 The infamous air sign, Geminis are known for their chaotic energy and curious nature. Geminis are also talented multitaskers, juggling multiple pursuits and interests at once. For Geminis, busier is better which makes the hectic nature of the ADR Championship competition the perfect fit.

Sagittarius

November 22 - December 21 You love burying your head in a book and are always eager to learn new things. The final fire sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius have a blazing passion for travelling the world and chasing after adventure. The Paper Presentation competition will allow you to demonstrate your intellectual knowledge and passion through a unique presentation format.

Cancer

June 21 - July 22 Cancers are the most loyal and caring of the water signs, but they are also incredibly charismatic and insightful. As a Cancer, you are emotionally mature yet still have a tendency for a bit of dramatic flare. This balance of drama and calm is the perfect mix for the Novice Moot competition.

Leo

July 23 - August 22 The royalty of the zodiac, Leos are ruled by the sun and their personalities burn bright as a result. Passionate, theatrical, Leo’s are natural born leaders who relish the spotlight. The Witness Examination competition is the ideal arena for you to take centre stage and run their case.

Virgo

August 23 - September 22 An earth sign with a history rooted in agriculture, Virgos are pragmatic and logical in their approach to life. You are also quite meticulous and diligent in their approach to solving problems and tend to take a solutions oriented rather than empathic approach. Therefore, the Negotiations competition is the perfect forum for you to perfect their strategic predisposition.

Capricorn

December 21 - January 20 The defining characteristic of this earth sign is their resilience. You are not afraid to take on challenges and you have the patience and perseverance to succeed in overcoming any hurdles you encounter along the way. Capricorns are also seen to be youthful, and are even said to age backwards. These traits make you likely to be very successful in the Foundations Moot competition.

Aquarius

January 21 - February 18 Commonly mistaken for a water sign, Aquarius is the final air sign ruled by Uranus which governs innovation and technology. As a result, you are a very progressive and innovative person who is focused on making a big impact on society. The International Humanitarian Law Moot is the perfect competition to combine your humanitarian outlook with your novel approaches to solving complex or existential problems

Pisces

February 19 - March 20 Ruled by Neptune, the goddess of creativity and dreams, Pisces have vivid imaginations. You are also the most empathetic and intuitive sign of the entire zodiac, and always strive to understand others despite their differences. These characteristics are perfect for developing client rapport and you should certainly try the Client Interview competition.

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

WHICH MULS COMPETITION SHOULD YOU DO: MAZE EDITION

Macquarie University Law Society Competitions Guide

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