Law Students' Association Advocacy · Excellence · Community
About WSLSA
Competitions
From first exposure to external representation — how the pipeline works, what each competition involves, and how to take your place in it.
A moot is a simulated appellate court hearing in which you argue questions of law before a judge or panel known as the bench.
Unlike a mock trial, a moot has no witnesses and no facts in dispute. The facts are settled, and the contest is purely legal: you appear as counsel for the appellant or the respondent, prepare written submissions, and present oral argument while responding to questions from the bench. It asks you to synthesise principle and precedent and apply it persuasively to a novel problem — the skills at the heart of legal practice — and it is one of the most effective ways to grow as a law student.
Four tiers, one pathway
A structured pathway supporting law students from first exposure to advocacy through to high-level competition. You can join at the tier that suits you, and every great advocate starts somewhere.
Skills workshops
Builds advocacy confidence and prepares students for competition readiness in a low-pressure setting. Open to all law students, with no experience required.
Entry-level participation
Structured first steps into advocacy and legal reasoning for early-year students, in a friendly, supportive environment designed for those new to competing.
Development & external preparation
Builds written and oral advocacy and bridges students toward higher-level external competition, including internal feeders and intervarsity rounds.
Premier external representation
Supports high-performing competitors, refining advocacy, strategy and submissions on the national and international stage. Several tiers list subject prerequisites.
Dates are indicative and confirmed through WSLSA communications. Items noted as a cycle are pending confirmation.
How a round runs, and how it is judged
Knowing the order of play and the marking criteria ahead of time makes your first competition far less daunting. Both follow a familiar shape.
- Senior Counsel for the appellant — appearances and a brief thematic overview.
- Junior Counsel for the appellant.
- Senior Counsel for the respondent.
- Junior Counsel for the respondent.
- Relief sought, and any reply.
Court etiquette essentials
Prepare in stages
Good preparation is mostly a matter of starting early and working in order. Even reading the problem and letting it sit makes the real work faster.
Read the problem twice
Once straight through, then again marking what matters — the issues, not everything.
Spot the issues
Argue only the points genuinely in dispute, and in a moot the grounds allocated to you.
Research
Start from any listed authorities, then textbooks and the primary cases. Depth wins rounds.
Outline
Decide what you must prove, and order it so your strongest point lands first.
Draft
Write submissions in plain, active prose. Structure beats flourish.
Practise aloud
Time yourself, anticipate questions, and rehearse your opening until it is automatic.
Skills competitions
Mooting is only one path. Skills competitions simulate the everyday work of practice — advising, negotiating, resolving and examining — and several make ideal first competitions.
Client interviewing
A simulated first meeting: draw out the client's concerns, identify the issues, and advise on next steps. Tests listening, rapport and judgment, with little black-letter law required.
Negotiation
Two teams act for opposing parties, each holding shared and secret facts, working toward an agreement that satisfies their client's instructions. Tests strategy and interpersonal skill.
Mediation
A commercial dispute worked before a mediator, in the roles of client and counsel — the format of the APCMC and the Mistry Fallahi Cup. Tests interest-based problem-solving and persuasion.
Witness examination
Examining and cross-examining a witness on a brief of evidence, drawing out helpful evidence and testing the other side's. Tests questioning technique and command of the facts.
Compete, judge or mentor
There is a place for everyone in the program — and you do not have to compete to be part of it. Call-outs are advertised through WSLSA channels throughout the year.
As a competitor
Develop your research, writing and oral advocacy in a supportive setting. Whether you are new or experienced, there is an event at your level.
As a judge or volunteer
Judge rounds, or volunteer as a client in the Client Interviewing competition. Your feedback supports emerging talent and strengthens the program.
As a mentor
Help new competitors prepare, sharing what you have learned and building your own leadership along the way.
Frequently asked
The questions students most often ask before their first competition. When in doubt, email competitions@wslsa.com.au — applying for more than one will not disadvantage you.
I'm only a first-year — is it too early?
I have no mooting experience.
I haven't studied the area of law.
I don't have a team.
Will it clash with work, study or a clerkship?
How do I apply?
Key contacts
Reach the right member of the Subcommittee directly, depending on what you need.
Where legal skills become practice
You do not need experience — only an interest in advocacy and a willingness to prepare. Keep an eye out for applications, or get in touch to find out when the next competition or workshop is running. A full Competitions Guide 2026, with a dedicated page on every competition, the calendar, and a practical guide to competing well, is coming soon.
