In a moot, student teams play the role of lawyers in a mock court proceeding. Participating in a moot provides valuable courtroom experience and – for many students – mooting is often remembered as a law school highlight.
In a Q and A with the Allard School of Law, Law students Sarah Chetney (Gale Cup Moot team), Caitlin Wardrop (Wilson Moot team) and Jayden Friesen-Kehler (Peter Burns Moot and MacIntyre Western Canada Trial Cup Moot) spoke about their mooting experiences – from agonizing over ‘fake municipal policy’ to presenting arguments at the Supreme Court of Canada.
What was your biggest highlight from the Gale Cup Moot?
Chetney: Undoubtedly, the most memorable moment was when our team advanced to the final rounds and had the privilege of presenting our arguments at the Supreme Court of Canada, with Justice Jamal presiding as Chief Justice.
It was an extraordinary experience to be in the very chambers where pivotal decisions that shape Canadian law and society are made, and to stand at the podium where countless skilled advocates have argued before us. This was a highlight not just of my time at law school so far, but I’m sure it will be a highlight of my career as well.
What impact do you think mooting this year has had on other aspects of law school?
Wardrop : Mooting is a unique law school experience as it gives you the opportunity to truly do a deep dive into one particular area of the law. That experience in itself is valuable, as well as the research and public speaking skills that come along with it. I really enjoyed how it allowed me to explore an area of law I was really interested in to a level I would not have been able to in a regular class.
Mooting also offers a great complement to other law school classes and experiences. Once you gain a deeper understanding in one area of the law, you begin to see all the ways it relates to other areas and can help to make sense of other legal issues. I’ve already used knowledge I gained in the moot in my other courses, my research assistant work, and interviews.
Can you share any tips for law students who will be mooting next year?
Friesen-Kehler: Don’t be afraid and give it your all! Mooting may seem intimidating, but everyone around you – including your teammates, coaches, volunteers and judges – want to see you learn, grow and succeed. The level of confidence you will gain from putting yourself in a new and challenging environment is so worth it, so put yourself out there and give it your best shot. The more effort you put into a moot will directly translate into how much benefit you get from the experience.
Visit the Allard School of Law site to learn more.
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