COMPETITIONS
AALN MOOTING COMPETITION
The AALN Mooting Competition began in 2019 with the aim of developing and fostering strong advocacy skills within African Australian lawyers and law students. The competition provides an immersive experience in which competitors address legal questions while familiarising themselves with court procedure.
Competitors are coached by Barristers at the Victorian Bar who provide feedback on their written and oral submissions as well as providing insight into the skills required for strong advocacy. The competition is judged by current members of the judiciary which allows mooters to receive direct and valuable feedback from judges on the content of their arguments, as well as other aspects of their written and oral advocacy in each case.
The competition is open to mooters of all skill levels: from law students to admitted lawyers with or without prior mooting experience. We strongly encourage those who would like to sharpen their advocacy and general legal skills to participate.
2020 Mooting Competition
The AALN 2020 Mooting Competition Grand Final was judged The Honourable Justice Maxwell, President of the Court of Appeal and The Honourable Justice Forbes of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Thank you to Their Honours and to our preliminary round judges, Her Honour Judge Cannon and His Honour Judge Pillay.
The winners of the AALN 2020 Mooting Competition were Eyerusalem (Zoe) Newport and Lola Popoola! Congratulations to Eyerusalem Newport, who was also awarded Best Speaker! The runners-up were Devin Elliott and James Langoya. Both teams did a fantastic job and we have no doubt that the future of advocacy is bright! Lola and Eyersualem were coached by barrister Jonathan Barrington. Devin and James were coached by barrister Rachel Amamoo.
Despite the online shift, the competition was a fantastic celebration of African talent. Well done to all of the mooting competition participants: Evans Musau, Nyasha Shanduka, Samantha Ndou, Saran Kamara, Elsie Richardson, Sofia Sid Akhmed, Blessing Keabilwe, Lungaka Mbedla, Sebongile Mbele, Gai Chuatwea, Kami Mogeni and Jacqueline Wright!
2019 Mooting Competition
Awura Abena Owusu, 2019 Mooting Competition Winner and Best Speaker, reflected on her experience in 2019 stating:
“My favourite aspect of the mooting competition was by far the opportunity to be mentored by working barristers and be judged by members of the judiciary! It was really such a rare opportunity to receive guidance and build friendships that elevated and transcended the competition."
Awura Abena’s team was coached by barrister, Jonathan Barrington Barrington, and the mooting competition grand final was presided over by Their Honours Hollingworth and Sifris JJ.
