Mooting Hints/Tips

What is a Moot?

A moot is a competitive mock court hearing.  It takes the form of a debate about the legal merits of an appeal in a fictitious case.  Two teams of two law students (the appellants and the respondents) compete against each other in arguing points of law. Each team is made-up of a Senior and Junior, arguing their own respective points of law.  The team judged to have the most persuasive legal argument, and the most impressive court manner and argument presentation, wins the moot.

Mooting can take the format of internal competitions, whereby individual mooters compete against one another, to be crowned “top mooter”, or in the form of external competitions, whereby the mooters work closely as a team, to represent their University.

Why Moot?

Mooting enables students to develop important skills.  A successful mooter will not only have learnt how to be an accomplished advocate, but will also be able to use legal authorities in a creative manner to the benefit of a client.  Students who have actively participated in mooting competitions also often find that they are better equipped to recognise the strengths and weaknesses of possible legal claims.  Employers also like to see evidence of participation in extracurricular activities, such as mooting, on an applicant’s curriculum vitae, with regards to work experience, mini-pupillages and future employment. Mooting is therefore a useful activity, irrespective of whether you intend to work as a solicitor, barrister, or outside the legal profession altogether.

Top Tips for Preparation

1. Read the problem.
2. Identify the grounds of appeal.
3. Identify the moot court.  Is this taking place in the Court of Appeal or in the House of Lords? (Remember that the Court of Appeal is not binding on the House of Lords, but the House of Lords is binding on all lower courts.)
4. Which party do you represent? Appellant or Respondent? Senior or Junior?
5. Start researching the law.
6. Read those cases which you have identified as being useful in detail.
7. Select which authorities to cite in the moot.
8. Anticipate the judge’s questions.
9. Prepare your script.

Secret Hints!

• Don’t Panic – you fewer the nerves, the better! (N.B. Butterflies are always a good sign).

• The judge will ask questions; stay calm and ensure your answer is relating to your case, even if the judge disagrees – stand your ground!

• SMILE!

• Don’t speak too quickly – have a calm rhythm to your tone of voice

• Do make a joke, if it feels appropriate

• Be yourself. Let your personality shine through.

Ready to take part?! See our events page for upcoming moots that you can participate in!