INTERNAL COMPETITIONS

The QUTLS Competitions portfolio creates engaging opportunities for students of all experience levels to develop their legal research and advocacy skills, make connections, and explore potential career paths. The competitions are tailored in such a way that students can put into practice the theoretical knowledge gathered during university in a real-world context. The competitions are judged by industry professionals and senior students who give you on-the-spot invaluable feedback and advice – a law student’s most precious commodity!

Competition winners and runners-up may also be invited to represent the QUTLS at a state or national level, providing further opportunities to enhance your skills and grow your networks.

Registration for competitions opens about one month before the competition begins, so keep an eye on the QUTLS Facebook page for announcements and check out the website for updates and registrations.

SEMESTER 1

• Negotiation

• First Year Moot

• Championship Moot

Advice From The Portfolio

SEMESTER 2

• Junior Moot

• Client Interview

• Witness Examination

Engaging in competitions in your first year is a great way to maximise your potential and growth. Particularly in your first year, it is a great way to meet new people, make friends and fast track your learning. The skills and experiences you have in the QUTLS competitions can expose you to a variety of more prestigious competitions in the future.

Have questions or just want more information? We’re always down for a chat! Email us at internalcompetitions.officer@qutlawsociety.com or visit us in the QUTLS Office in C Block.

ALL THE INFO ABOUT THE INTERNAL COMPS:

NEGOTIATION - OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS

The Negotiation is one of our most popular competitions, in which teams of two face off as ‘solicitors’ advocating for their respective fake clients. The purpose of the Negotiation is to represent your client’s interests while coming to a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties. Students love this competition as minimal preparation is required.

FIRST YEAR MOOT - OPEN TO FIRST YEAR STUDENTS ONLY

The First Year moot focuses on what you will learn in Torts (as well as some extra topics to test your research skills). Previous participants rate the First Year Moot as the most beneficial and valuable competition in the entire portfolio. As well as challenging yourself, you’ll likely forge friendships that last well after you graduate (even if you find yourselves on opposite sides of the case). In 2021, the winning team will face off with UQ’s First Year Moot winners.

CHAMPIONSHIP MOOT - OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS EXCEPT THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THE FIRST YEAR MOOT

The Championship Moot is the premier event for mooters, judges and spectators. Competitors will be provided with a complex commercial litigation problem, testing their academic rigor and oral advocacy skills. While it is our most challenging moot, it is open to students of all levels and is a great opportunity to develop your skills.

JUNIOR MOOT - OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT YET COMPETED NATIONALLY

Don’t let the name confuse you, the Junior Moot is for students at all levels, so long as they have not won the competition or competed at a national level. With the problem usually simpler than the championship moot but still challenging, it is a wonderful opportunity for first time mooters or for experienced mooters to further develop their skills.

CLIENT INTERVIEW - OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS

Students are exposed to a scenario and are required to interview a client to identify the complete facts behind their personal experience and propose possible solutions specific to the legal problem at hand. It is a great chance for students to build essential communication, listening, body language, asking appropriate questions and more skills required to engage with individuals in the real world.

WITNESS EXAMINATION - OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS

Fondly nicknamed the WitEx competition, this competition entails the examination and cross-examination of a witness giving oral evidence. Unlike traditional moots, this competition is conducted individually.

Keep an eye out for the Competitions Bench Book in Welcome Week, which will provide a step-by-step guide to competing in all of the QUTLS’ competitions. Check out our website for more information on each competition.

SENTENCING COMPETITION - OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS

Sentencing competition gives you the opportunity to represent either the prosecution or defence in a mock criminal sentencing hearing.