COMPETITIONS GUIDE
2014
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This is the hub for competitions on our website. The winners of each round of competitions will be posted here each Sunday at 4:00 pm . For more information, visit:
www.ndsls.org/competitions 2
CONTENTS 1.
Foreword
4
2.
Calendar
5
3.
Competition Rules
8
4.
Dress Code
15
5.
NDSLS Competitions
a. Negotiation
16
b. Client Interview
21
c. Mooting
26
d. Paper Presentation
31
6.
Intervarsity Competitions
35
7.
Contacts Us
38
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Dear Students, This guide has been written for anyone who is participating, or intending to participate, in our competitions. The guide comprises a series of information and gives advice on various issues from what is involved in each competition, to time commitment, and how to prepare. Each of the competitions allows you to get a feel for what law is about and what sort of skills practicing law will require you to have and develop. The NDSLS runs our competitions at both the junior and senior levels, encouraging first time competitors – and first years - to try out various competitions and develop their skills and confidence. If you want my opinion, competitions are your best way to socially engage with other law students. For those of you who register, to find out whom you will be competing against and who your team represents, you can download the roster from our website. In regards to case materials, you will need your competition password to download your script. A week prior to the commencement of the competition you will receive your competition password to download your script. At the conclusion of each round you will be able to access your next script. You will need to contact me on the competitions email if you have not received yours via email. I encourage all of you, as prospective competitors, to attend the Competitions Launch BBQ, which is to be held first week back in the courtyard from 11am-1:30pm, Thursday 27th February. We want to make Notre Dame a strong national force in legal competitions, and it starts with every law student, with any level of experience – that’s you – getting involved. Best of luck this year, Julia Lavers Competitions Director competitions@ndsls.org
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CALENDAR S
ORIENTATION WEEK
Monday 17 Feb
Tuesday 18 Feb
Wednesday 19 Feb
Thursday 20 Feb
Friday 21 Feb
Saturday 22 Feb
Sunday 23 Feb
TEACHING WEEK 1
24 Feb
25 Feb
26 Feb
27 Feb
28 Feb
1 Mar
2 Mar
Competitions Registration Opens
TEACHING WEEK 2
3 Mar
4 Mar
5 Mar
6 Mar
7 Mar
8 Mar
12:30pm Negotiation Info Session
TEACHING WEEK 3
10 Mar
11 Mar
12 Mar
13 Mar
14 Mar
15 Mar
9 Mar Close of Registration *except PP 16 Mar
TEACHING WEEK 4
17 Mar
18 Mar
19 Mar
20 Mar
21 Mar
22 Mar
23 Mar
TEACHING WEEK 5
24 Mar
25 Mar
26 Mar
27 Mar
28 Mar
29 Mar
30 Mar
12:30pm Negotiation Round 1 12:30pm Negotiation Round 2
TEACHING WEEK 6
31 Mar
1 Apr
2 Apr
3 Apr
4 Apr
5 Apr
6 Apr
Good Friday Easter Long Weekend (campus closed) TBC 6:30pm Negotiation Grand Final
TEACHING WEEK 7
7 Apr
8 Apr
9 Apr
10 Apr
11 Apr
12 Apr
13 Apr
12:30pm Client Interview Workshop
TEACHING WEEK 8
14 Apr
15 Apr
16 Apr
17 Apr
18 Apr
19 Apr
20 Apr
TUITION FREE WEEK
21 Apr
22 Apr
23 Apr
24 Apr
25 Apr
26 Apr
27 Apr
Anzac Day
TEACHING WEEK 9
28 Apr
29 Apr
30Apr
1 May
2 May
3 May
4 May
TEACHING WEEK 10
5 May
6 May
7 May
8 May
9 May
10 May
10May
TEACHING WEEK 11
12 May
13 May
14 May
15 May
16 May
17 May
18 May
TEACHING WEEK 12
19 May
20 May
21 May
22 May
23 May
24 May
25 May
12:30pm Client Interview Round 1 12:30pm Client Interview Round 2 12:30pm Client Interview Round 3 Client Interview Grand Final TBA
TEACHING WEEK 13
26 May
27 May
28 May
29 May
30 May
31 May
1 Jun
STUDY WEEK
2 Jun
3 Jun
4 Jun
5 Jun
6 Jun
7 Jun
8 Jun
SEMESTER 1 EXAMS
9Jun
10 Jun
11 Jun
12 Jun
13 Jun
14 Jun
15 Jun
SEMESTER 1 EXAMS
16 Jun
17 Jun
18 Jun
19 Jun
20 Jun
21 Jun
22 Jun
E M E S T E R
O N E
5
12:30pm Client Interview Info Session
12:30pm Negotiation Workshops
Queen’s Birthday
Monday
S E M E
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
ORIENTATION WEEK
21 Jul
22 Jul
23 Jul
24 Jul
25 Jul
26 Jul
27 Jul
TEACHING WEEK 1
28 Jul
29 Jul
30 Jul
31 Jul
1 Aug
2 Aug
3 Aug
TEACHING WEEK 2
4 Aug
5 Aug
6 Aug
7 Aug
8 Aug
9 Aug
10 Aug
TEACHING WEEK 3
11 Aug
12 Aug
13 Aug
14 Aug
15 Aug
16 Aug
17 Aug
Bank Holiday (campus closed) Mooting Skills Lab TBA
TEACHING WEEK 4
18 Aug
19 Aug
20 Aug
21 Aug
22 Aug
23 Aug
24 Aug
Mooting Skills Lab TBA
TEACHING WEEK 5
25 Aug
26 Aug
27 Aug
28 Aug
29 Aug
30 Aug
31 Aug
Mooting Round 1
TEACHING WEEK 6
1 Sept
2 Sept
3 Sept
4 Sept
5 Sept
6 Sept
7 Sept
TEACHING WEEK 7
8 Sept
9 Sept
10 Sept
11 Sept
12 Sept
13 Sept
14 Sept
Paper Presentations Lab TBA
TEACHING WEEK 8
15 Sept
16 Sept
17 Sept
18 Sept
19 Sept
20 Sept
21 Sept
TEACHING WEEK 9
22 Sept
23 Sept
24 Sept
25 Sept
26 Sept
27 Sept
28 Sept
Mooting Round 2 TBA Paper Presentations Submissions
TUITION FREE WEEK
29 Sept
30 Sept
1 Oct
2 Oct
3 Oct
4 Oct
5 Oct
TEACHING WEEK 10
6 Oct
7 Oct
8 Oct
9 Oct
10 Oct
11 Oct
12 Oct
TEACHING WEEK 11
13 Oct
14 Oct
15 Oct
16 Oct
17 Oct
18 Oct
19 Oct
TEACHING WEEK 12
20 Oct
21 Oct
22 Oct
23 Oct
24 Oct
25 Oct
26 Oct
TEACHING WEEK 13
27 Oct
28 Oct
29 Oct
30 Oct
31 Oct
1 Nov
2 Nov
STUDY WEEK
3 Nov
4 Nov
5 Nov
6 Nov
7 Nov
8 Nov
9 Nov
SEMESTER 2 EXAMS
10 Nov
11 Nov
12 Nov
13 Nov
14 Nov
15 Nov
16 Nov
SEMESTER 2 EXAMS
17 Nov
18 Nov
19 Nov
20 Nov
21 Nov
22 Nov
23 Nov
Mooting Info Session Paper Presentations Editing Lab TBA
S T E R
T W O
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Labour Day (campus closed) Mooting Grand Final TBA
Registration for Paper Presentation closes, 5pm.
Mooting Round 3 TBA
Registrations Registration for Negotiation and Client Interview competitions opens Monday February 25 and will close Sunday March 9.
Registration for the Paper Presentations competitions opens Monday February 25 and will close Friday September 26.
Registration for Mooting opens Monday July 23 and will close Friday August 15.
To register, complete the online registration form by visiting:
www.ndsls.org/competitions
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COMPETITION RULES 1. This document provides the rules, which shall govern participation in the Notre Dame Sydney Law Society (‘the NDSLS’) Competitions. 2. The Competitions fall within the portfolio of the Competitions Director, who shall be responsible for the enforcement of these rules and the overall supervision of the competitions. i.
All decisions of the Competitions Director are final unless otherwise specified in this document.
3. The email competitions@ndsls.org.au should be your first point of call for all problems. a. Similarly, correspondence should be via student (Notre Dame) emails. Any other source shall not be deemed as official. 4. All competitions are run in accordance to the NDSLS rules – competitors should familiarise themselves with these rules before competing.
Competitor’s Obligations 5. Participation in Competitions signifies an agreement to abide by the rules and guidelines set out within this document. 6. Participation in the Competitions is open to all students currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Notre Dame Sydney Campus. 7. In order to participate in the NDSLS Legal Skills Competitions, students must submit their registration to the Competitions Director in the method that he/she prescribes. a. Registration must be made through online forms - email competitions@ndsls.org for further information.
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8. Registrations must be received by the allocated date. Late entry is at the discretion of the Competitions Director. 9. In keeping with the professional expectations of the NDSLS, we request you comply with the guidelines of the Dress Code , observable at page 11 of this guide. 10. The Competitions Director reserves the right to disqualify any team or participant for: a. A breach of the rules in this document. b. A breach of any University and/or Law School rules. c. Conduct that is not befitting to the competitions including, but not limited to: i. Being late or failing to turn up to a competition; ii. Failing to respect the authority or misleading judges or organisers; iii. Failing to show suitable respect or misleading fellow competitors; iv. Making a serious or intentional ethical violation. d. The Competitions Director may hear complaints and make preliminary decisions in regards to the above, however, the final decision resides in the joint agreement of the President of the Law Society. 11. It is at the discretion of teams, whether they wish to use books, notes, and other materials including props. They must, however, be realistic
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a. With Paper Presentation, students may opt to utilize a whiteboard, overhead projector or a customized power point to assist or supplement their presentation. 12. Responsibility rests with the student participants for timekeeping and for adherence to allotted time periods and breaks. However, if resources and volunteers are available, timekeepers or timekeeping devices may be provided, but no individual associated with a participant may act as timekeeper in a competition involving such participant. b. Competitors are not permitted to use mobile phones during the preparation or judging period, except as a time keeping device. This must be made clear to the judge who must be able to monitor the devices use. 13.
The
Competitions
Director
will
be
contactable
via
email:
competitions@ndsls.org a. Any other correspondence will not be considered official. 14.
Once
competitions
have
commenced,
there
shall
be
no
modifications made to teams subject to the Competition Director’s discretion. a. Modifications to teams may be made at the latest 24 hours prior to the nominated time for round one. b. For the Mooting competitions modifications may be made to a team at the latest 24 hours prior to the due time for the submission of outline of arguments -subject to the approval of the Competitions Director. After 24 hours a forfeit will automatically be applied and the team disqualified from the competition.
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15. If a team member is unable to participate in a particular round after the commencement of competitions, the team must forfeit, unless suitable arrangements can be made. This will depend on; a. The availability of Judges and venues; b. The availability of the opposing team to reschedule; c. The reason for inability to compete; d. Discretion of the Competitions Director 16. Whilst all attempts will be made there is no guarantee or obligation placed on the Competitions Director to reallocate timeslots in the event that a participant is unable to compete.
Observer’s Obligations 17. Observation of the Competition is encouraged, however potential for disruption must be minimised.
a. Observers should not enter or leave the room during the negotiation session or the self-analysis period.
b. Judges may, if they wish, request that observers leave the room while they confer. Apart from that discretion, observers may watch all segments of a round.
c. No observer shall attempt to communicate in any way with any team members from the beginning of the participants’ negotiation session to the conclusion of the last selfanalysis. Any communication breaching this rule and may result in disqualification.
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Obligations of the NDSLS 18. The Competitions Director will adhere to the ‘Competitions Timeline’ as published on the NDSLS Website during ‘O Week’. a. This timetable may be subject to change depending on Judges and venue availability and the Law School class timetable. 19. The Competitions Director will update all competitors of changes to the timetable, if and when they arise. 20. The Competitions Director will endeavour to ensure minimal clashes between Competitions timetabling and Law School class timetabling. a. Competition rounds will generally be held in the common university lunchtime (12:30-1:30pm) and evening to help ensure minimal clashes 21. The competitions structure is set forth as: a. All competitors compete in each preliminary round of the
competition. b. With the aim to pass on those who are stronger in the teams,
the highest-ranking teams from across the preliminary rounds, as determined by aggregate scores, according to ALSA Rules 3.5.1.2.1 - 3.5.1.4, advance to the Semi and Grand Finals. c. The remaining competitors from each round are ranked on a reserve list according to their scores and in the event that a competitor is unable to participate in the Grand Final, that competitor’s position is filled by the competitor ranked highest on the reserve list
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22. By midnight on the day, one week prior to a scheduled competition round, the Competitions Director will email competitors their competitions password for the website which will allow them access to their problem, applicable law, brief or any other relevant documents. a. In regards to Client Interview, by midnight on the day, one week
prior
to
a
scheduled
competition
round,
the
Competitions Director will email clients a brief containing a fact scenario outlining their personality and the legal problem. 23. All decisions of judges in all competitions are final. 24. In the event of a tie, the aggregate scores of the competition will be used to make a final decision. This decision shall be final. 25. Any concerns or appeals regarding competitions must be made initially to the Competitions Director for adjudication. a. An appeal must be either administrative or equitable in nature. The results of a competition cannot be appealed purely on the grounds of a disagreement. b. In the event that the dispute involves the Competitions Director personally, the President may be substituted. i.
In the event that the dispute involves the President personally, the Vice President may be substituted.
c. If you are unhappy with the decision of the Competitions Committee you may appeal to the Executive of the NDSLS i. This is the final level of appeal. 26. If a party wishes to compete in a competition, representing NDSLS, they must first get the permission of the Competitions Director or President of the Law Society.
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a. If there is more than one party interested in the position, the Competitions Director will organise a selection process. 27. Subject to the discretion of the NDSLS, the winner(s) of the Competitions may be invited to represent the NDSLS and the University of Notre Dame Sydney at the Australian Law Students Association Annual Conference (ALSA) a. The NDSLS is not under any circumstances obliged to invite a competitor to compete at ALSA. b. The Competitions Director may if necessary invite a runner up to attend in the event the winner(s) should be unable to attend the ALSA Conference. c. If suitable then the Competitions Director may also invite persons who did not participate in the competition, but who are of a high standard and thus suitable for national representation. d. The NDSLS is under no obligation to provide financial support to those invited to compete at the ALSA Conference. 28. All rules in this document are applied at the discretion of the NDSLS and may be edited, amended or applied in any way that they see fit. This should only occur in the interest of equity, fairness or efficiency.
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Dress Code For a career in an office environment, you will be expected to wear corporate attire. In addition to seeing competitions as enriching your student experience and preparing you for what comes next, you should also consider competitions as instilling you with that ready to work attitude. As such, competitors are required to observe the Notre Dame Law Society Competitions Dress Code. Ladies are required to wear a business suit or otherwise, dress pants or skirt with a tailored blouse. Gentlemen require a business suit, or tailored pants, a work shirt and tie. Please ensure you are dressed appropriately.
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Negotiation In one sentence… Negotiation is all about avoiding an entrenched position while improving your reasoning by getting the other side to agree to an outcome in the best interests of your client.
What is involved? Negotiation is a mock mediation session where solicitors attempt to resolve a dispute. Representing their respective parties, they must attempt to reach an outcome to the negotiation that satisfies their client’s interests. Competitors receive a set of facts a week prior to their round. The first information, the ‘general facts’, which is provided to both teams generally discloses matters regarding how the dispute arose and general party interests. Meanwhile, each team also receives a set of ‘confidential facts’ regarding their client. Using these facts, competitors must identify their client’s interests and devise a strategy for the negotiation. Each negotiation generally runs for approximately fifty minutes, and is comprised of a forty minute negotiation between the competitors, a five minute time-out that can be requested by the teams during negotiations to discuss strategy, and a self-reflection session of up to 5 minutes for each team afterwards. In the actual negotiation, both teams engage in dialogue to reach a solution in the best interests of their client. However, the criteria in the score sheet should not be read as requiring that the parties reach an agreement. In some situations, the best outcome might be no agreement at all. Thus, the judging standards focus on planning and the negotiation session. Within the selfreflection section, the teams discuss individually with the judge matters such as how they could have improved the outcome of the negotiation, potential mistakes in strategy and other relevant considerations.
Time commitment Low to moderate; usually around three hours per week (40 minutes negotiating).
Team size Each team has two members, both of whom act as solicitors.
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Conduct of the Negotiation: Stage of Proceedings
Maximum Duration
Negotiation between teams.
35 minutes *optional 5 minute strategy break, giving a combined time of 40 minutes
Self-analysis Following voluntary election or judge nomination, both teams will have five (5) minutes to privately conduct oral self-analysis presentations to the judges.
10 minutes
Determination and feedback
5 minutes
Approximate Total
55 minutes
Judges and Assessment: The judging standards recognize that there is no one ‘correct’ approach to conducting a negotiation. Instead, the strategies and techniques used will vary according to the nature of the problem, the personalities involved and other relevant factors. However, the effectiveness of a negotiation can be judged, at least in part, by its outcome. The criteria in the score sheet is not be read as requiring that the parties reach an agreement. In some situations, the best outcome might be no agreement at all. Thus, the judging standards focus on planning and the negotiation session.
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Judges will award each team a mark out of one hundred (100). These marks will be allocated as follows:
Stage of Proceedings
Maximum Duration
1. Negotiation planning
10 marks
2. Adaptibility
10 marks
3. Session Outcome
10 marks
4. Relationship Between Teams
10 marks
5. Exploration of interests
10 marks
6. Creativity of Options
10 marks
7. Teamwork
10 marks
8. Negotiation Ethics
10 marks
9. Communication
10 marks
10. Self-analysis
10 marks
TOTAL
100 marks
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Tips and Advice: The key to negotiating is to be aware of the interests of both parties within the negotiation, thereby allowing you to suggest resolutions which satisfy both clients. Your speaking time is therefore not a time for making speeches- it is time set aside to persuade your opposition to accept your case over theirs'. ----- Julia Lavers, 2012 and 2013 NDSLS Competitions Director
You need to be well prepared and have given due respect to the questions posed by the facts. Your primary aim is to foster valuable communication and problem solving skills; which are essential as a lawyer. Never underestimate a watch as a useful tool for time management when addressing the issues. ----- Mark Van Der Hout, Senior Competitor, 2012
NEGOTIATION I N F O R M A TI O N
S E S S I O N
in the Moot Court, Monday March 3, from 12:30-1:30pm
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READY, SET, NEGOTIATE 20
Client Interview Competition In one sentence‌ Client interview gives you a legal rule and asks you to apply it to a given situation in the most straightforward way.
What is involved? With only a very brief memorandum outlining the context of the meeting, the competition requires a partnership of competitors who will be required to conduct a successful client interview by adequately establishing rapport, gathering information and providing the client some preliminary advice. With the facts provided a week before the competition, competitors have 40 minutes to conduct the interview with their client and 10 minutes to privately confer in a post-interview analysis, which should begin with a summary of the interview, state the relevant legal issues to be addressed, and move onto an explanation of the intended course of action. At this point in time the judge will also confer with the client regarding the proposed course of action. Remember, you will not be judged on how much advice you give, but on the quality of your correspondence and teamwork.
Time commitment One of the best things about this competition is that there is very little preparation needed! You should give yourself time to read and familiarize yourself with the brief; however client interview is mainly based on how you handle the situation and react on your feet, requiring a time commitment that is low; usually around two hours a week.
Team size The competition requires a partnership of two; the NDSLS will provide you with your client.
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Conduct of the Interview: Stage of Proceedings
Maximum Duration
The initial consultation and ascertaining of the problem, followed by a proposed solution or compromise for resolving the dispute.
40 minutes
A post-consultation period of private conferral between the solicitors.
5 minutes
Judges conferral with the client
5 minutes
Adjournment and feedback
5 minutes
Approximate Total
55 minutes
Judges and Assessment: As with all consultations there is a fee schedule. For the purposes of this competition, the applicable fee schedule is that initial consultations are free, with any and all secondary consultations standing at a cost of $500 per hour. Solicitors may discuss the fee schedule at any point during the consultation, the determination of the appropriateness of that particular point in time for doing so, resting with the judges. i.
Use of the consultation fee schedule will account for marks under “Working Atmosphere�.
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Judges will award each competitor a score out of 100 marks, as follows:
Content
Score
1. Working Atmosphere
10 marks
2. Description of the Problem
10 marks
3. Client’s Goals and Expectations
10 marks
4. Problem Analysis
10 marks
5. Moral and Ethical Issues
10 marks
6. Alternative Courses of Action
10 marks
7. Client’s Informed Choice
10 marks
8. Effective Conclusion
10 marks
9. Teamwork
10 marks
10. Post-Interview Reflection
10 marks
TOTAL
100 marks
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Tips and Advice: The main aim of this competition is to get as complete a picture of the client’s legal issue as possible while managing their time wisely. The interviewers should keep in mind that the client may be withholding select, crucial pieces of information, and accordingly structure the session to allow plenty of time to let the client speak freely, and for you to ask discovery questions. Think about possible legal issues in considering which questions to ask, and always be on the alert for hidden facts and ethical issues relating to deceit. ----- Julia Lavers, 2013 and 2014 NDSLS Competitions Director
The best interviews are conversational in nature – there’s a back and forth quality to them, where the interviewers say something, the interviewee says something that actually addresses what the interviewers have sad, the interviewers then reply to the point that has been made out to them, the interviewee responds, so on and so forth. Remember, you are not there to be tested on how much you know about a particular subject but to develop a course of action and present reasons for thinking that. ----- Nicholas J. McBride, Letters To A Law Student, 2014
CLIENT INTERVIEW I N F O R M A T I O N S E S S I O N A PRIMER ON INTERVIEWING in the Moot Court, Tuesday March 4, from 12:30-1:30pm
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READY, SET, PRACTICE 25
Mooting In one sentence‌ Mooting is about who has done the most impressive job of presenting their case and is THE competition for those entire aspiring barrister’s out there.
What is involved? A moot is a simulated appeal in a superior court, based on a mock fact scenario and judgment from a lower court. No witnesses, just good old fashioned legal argument about whether or not the lower court decision was correct. Based on the facts presented you will argue your clients position in a simulated real-life court proceeding where you will compose and submit a Memorandum of Argument in the form of written submissions and participate in oral arguments using appropriate court etiquette. Expect to be queried and questioned by the judges as they test you to see just how well you know your facts and the cases surrounding a particular point of law. With the competition designed to cater to all levels of experience, from beginners to senior mooters, the same problem question will be used for each round. Mooting is an arena of gladiatorial combat for law students to test their advocacy skills.
Time commitment Moderate to significant- usually around 5-6 hours per week.
Team size Mooting is generally run in teams of two.
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Conduct of the Moot: List of Authorities 1. No later than 4pm on the day before the moot, competitors must in accordance with Rule 6, email their opponent and the Competitions Director a memoranda, detailing in appropriate form: 1. An overview of the structure of the team’s submission, 2. Major arguments of the team 3. An outline of the allotted team member speaking times 4. The list, five (5) being the maximum, of the authorities on which counsel rely.
The moot will proceed as follows:
Stage of Proceedings
Maximum Duration
Submissions of senior counsel for the appellant
13 minutes
Submissions of junior counsel for the appellant
13 minutes
Submissions of senior counsel for the respondent
13 minutes
Submissions of junior counsel for the respondent
13 minutes
Adjournment and Feedback
8 minutes
Approximate Total
1 hour
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NOTE: 1. Counsel is required to provide all copies of all authorities referred to in their List of Authorities to the judge(s).
2. During the moot, counsel may not refer in detail to authorities not appearing on their List of Authorities or that of their opponent.
3. Counsel may not provide to the court any documents other than their List of Authorities and copies of their authorities.
Judges and Assessment: Judges will award each competitor a score out of 100 marks, as follows:
Content
Score
Organisation of Presentation
15 marks
Development of Argument
25 marks
Questions from the Bench
25 marks
Speaking Ability and Delivery
25 marks
Written Submissions
10 marks
TOTAL
100 marks
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Tips and Advice: There is a big difference between knowing something in theory and being able to apply it in practice. Mooting is about persuading other people to agree with a fixed position that you have adopted by making rational arguments in favor of that position. You will moot most effectively if you attend to issues which are unclear in the judge's mind, so treat questions with respect. Remember, mooting is a verbal reasoning test and the best way of positioning yourself to get to where you want to go in what is an increasingly competitive area. ----- Julia Lavers, 2013 and 2014 NDSLS Competitions Director
Be prepared to discuss and reference the law to support your argument. The judges will want to know what the law is; not what your personal opinion is. Avoid sentences that begin, "I believe" or "I feel." In some cases, judges might ask your personal opinion. If so, give it and concurrently try to think of what legal aspect they are asking you to identify. They are trying to be helpful. ----- Richard Perrignon, School of Law lecturer, University of Notre Dame
MOOTING WORKSHOP at a time and date to be advised.
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READY, SET, ADVOCATE 30
Paper Presentation In one sentence‌ If you are someone who is interested in lots of different aspects of law, then the flexibility to write and present about any legal topic you are interested in, makes Paper Presentation the competition for you.
What is involved? The paper presentation competition helps you build up both your written and oral communication skills in a legal context. Two components are involved: a written paper on a legal issue and a presentation of that paper to an audience and a panel of judges. Competitors are required to submit a paper of 3000-5000 words in length- this does not need to be written specifically for the competition, and can be a modified essay from an assessment. As with all tertiary papers, the word limit is exclusive of the bibliography, footnotes, titles and subtitles. However the use of any and all explanatory footnotes does count towards the word limit. In terms of referencing, the paper is to conform to the most current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. The oral presentation is limited to 15 minutes; the primary aim is to communicate the paper’s arguments in a logical and succinct manner. There will be no questions from the bench during the presentation; however, there will be a ten minute questioning session with the judges at the conclusion of the presentation. Students may opt to utilize a whiteboard, overhead projector or a customized power point to assist or supplement their presentation.
Time commitment Moderate; depends on whether you are writing a paper specifically for this competition.
Team size One person.
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Conduct of the Competition: Culminating in a score out of forty (40), the three essays which receive the highest written mark will proceed to the final. The individuals who proceed to the final make an oral presentation of their paper. This presentation is further awarded a mark out of sixty (60). This score is then combined with the original score out of forty (40) awarded to the paper itself, giving a score out of one hundred (100).
Judges and Assessment: Judges will award each team a mark out of one hundred (100). These marks will be allocated as follows: Written Paper Factors
Challenging or difficult subject of interest or importance
Clear definition and logical structure of ideas
Analysis defines and engages with a sound conceptual, analytical and theoretical
Framework
Argument is focussed and well-developed throughout
Independent, original and insightful treatment of all aspects of topic
Identifies and engages with all relevant aspects of topic and includes appropriate
Comparative references and insight
Critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources
Argument is reasoned, persuasive and supported by appropriate evidence
Expression, style and presentation are excellent
Consistent referencing, adhering to the Australian Guide to Legal Citation
Correct grammar, spelling and punctuation throughout.
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Oral Presentation Factors
Clear, concise, confident, articulate, elegant expression
Clear structure and organisation, logical progression and flow
Communicates ideas naturally and easily
Excellent variation in tone, pace and volume
Effective and intelligent use of visual aids
Appropriate use of stance, expression, gesture and humour
Engages with audience through excellent manner and style of presentation
Conveys sincerity and enthusiasm, stimulating the audience’s interest
Mastery of subject matter
Insightful appreciation of legal and policy aspects
Detailed understanding of issues and scholarship
Direct and focused response to questions
Tips and Advice: See the big in the issue but keep things simple. ----- Julia Lavers, 2013 and 2014 NDSLS Competitions Director
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READY, SET, COMMUNICATE 34
Intervarsity Competitions External competitions are available to most experienced competitors or senior year students. These competitions offer the chance for students to travel, meet and socialize with likeminded students from Australia and the world, and moreover to compete at the national level. Participation in internal competitions will be highly beneficial for students’ application for external competitions. The following external competitions are available to students:
Inaugural King & Wood Mallesons Private Law Moot Where: When: Team size: Registrations:
Sydney at the University of New South Wales 2 to 4 May 2014. One team of up to four people March 14 at 5 pm.
This year's problem will focus on the law of trusts and some issues in equity. The question will be framed at a level of difficulty appropriate for students in the latter stage of their degree, particularly those who are considering entering prestigious international mooting competitions such as the Jessup International Law Moot and the Vis Commercial Arbitration Moot. It is recommended that students who have completed courses in equity or in trusts apply. Further information about the competition, including the problem question, will be released shortly.
NSW Young Lawyers SCLSS Intervarsity Negotiation Competition Where: When: Team size:
UTS, Haymarket Campus Building 5, Block C May Two teams of two to three people
The goal for each team is to negotiate an outcome that meets their client’s goals, without sacrificing too much in return. Teams were expected to reach a win-win situation wherever possible, using the information provided to them. At the end of the two preliminary rounds, each team’s score is totaled and their win/loss ratio calculated. The two teams that have the highest win-loss ratios in their pools progress to the Grand Final.
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Baker & McKenzie National Women's Moot Where: When: Team size:
Sydney University, Sydney University Law School July One team of three members
This is a highly prestigious law competition. It is aimed at addressing the equity issues facing women at the bar and is the only national moot in which all competitors must be female. It also provides an opportunity for female law students to gain advocacy experience and network with eminent legal practitioners who will judge the moots.
AAT National Mooting Competition Where: When: Team size: Registrations:
Preliminary rounds in the ACT August Two to three people 2 June 2014 - 30 June 2014
The fact scenarios involve a variety of administrative law areas including social security, workers' compensation, immigration and citizenship etc. The competition offers a great opportunity for competitors to expand their knowledge regarding Tribunal practice and procedure.
Hon. Michael Kirby Contract Law Moot Competition Where: When: Team size:
College of Law and Justice, Victoria University, Melbourne 29 September – 2 October Four people, up to three teams
The competition stimulates dispute resolution proceedings for a contractual law dispute. It consists of the preparation of a written memorandum by the claimant, a memorandum by the respondent and oral hearings. Participants develop and improve their practical legal skills as well as their comprehension and retention of the substantive contract law relevant to the problem.
Best of the Boutiques Intervarsity Negotiation Competition Where: When: Team size:
Southern Cross University, Gold Coast October Two people
This is a highly prestigious law competition. The best of the best hone their negotiating skills in on one another in a knock out competition.
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Contact Us For Registrations and Enquiries, please email competitions@ndsls.org or visit http://ndsls.org
Competitions Director Julia Lavers competitions@ndsls.org
Competitions Coordinators Sabrina Mobbs Year2rep@ndsls.org
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Copyright Notre Dame Society Law Society Competitions Guide 2014 Š 2014. All rights reserved. The Notre Dame Sydney Law Society. All content contained within this publication is protected by copyright. Content may be disseminated for personal, educational or non-commercial purposes only and sources must be accurately cited.
Disclaimer The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editors or the Notre Dame Sydney Law Society. The Notre Dame Sydney Law Society makes no guarantee as to the accuracy or correctness of any of the content in this publication. This publication is distributed free of charge on the understanding that the authors, editors and any persons related to in this publication are not responsible for the results of their actions or omissions arising out or in connection with any of the contents in this publication.
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