Mooting @ UTS Law

Written by Dante Liu Vice-President (Mooting)

The Importance of Getting Involved with Mooting

Mooting offers students an insight into life as a barrister. These competitions are designed to provide participants with the opportunity to obtain and develop the skills required to successfully and zealously advocate your client’s position in a superior court, by either establishing an error from the court below or demonstrating no error in order to dismiss the appeal.

So why get involved? Mooting requires you to think analytically and critically while applying the law to a set of agreed facts. Sounds familiar right? That is because it is very much similar to what you are required to do for all your subjects. It bridges the gap between theory and practice by requiring you to prepare written submissions regarding your client’s position and then advocating it before a judge. Mooting can yield significant benefits for your studies on account of the requirement to view the application of the relevant law(s) from both sides of the coin.

Due to the skills that mooting provides to those who participate, it is viewed considerably well by prospective employers. However, the most important benefit that comes from getting involved is the opportunity to meet new people and create long-lasting friendships. The legal industry is quite small believe it or not, and the people you meet along the way may be your future employers or colleagues.

Transferable Skills

As previously mentioned, mooting involves critical analysis and thinking. These are two of the most important skills required in order to succeed in your studies and in the workforce. Mooting competitions often raise contemporary issues of law and require you to think outside the box. Originality and creativity are rewarded, as they are in your responses to your assignments and exam responses.

However, the nature of advocacy is exceptionally focused on communication skills, both oral and written. Mooting allows you to develop your ability in both regards and will allow you to communicate more effectively. Communication is key. As a legal practitioner, you will be writing letters of advice, correspondence to external parties, as well as written submissions in litigious matters.

Above all else, mooting requires you to understand both sides of the issue. This can most definitely be used not just in practice but in life, as it shows that there can be more than one interpretation and the importance of understanding.

Where Can I Find More Information?

Further information on the types of competitions on offer can be located on the UTS LSS website under the mooting portfolio tab. Any questions can be directed to myself at vpmo@utslss.com.

Outside of the above, the UTS LSS runs a Mooting Mentoring Program once each semester and serves as a catch-all guide on all things related to mooting, including tips and tricks on how to succeed.