Mooting
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What does the activity involve?
It’s all about advocacy – developing the skills to advocate powerfully and effectively on behalf of your future clients. A moot simulates an appeal court hearing, where both appellants and respondents make written and oral submissions in front of a judge or panel of judges, with the aim of reversing the findings of a previous court decision. It’s an effective way to gain practical, hands-on experience and get a feel for what a career in the courtroom could be like.
What skills will it give me?
Through mooting, students gain a variety of valuable skills that are crucial for a successful legal career. First, it significantly enhances advocacy skills, teaching students how to effectively represent clients by making compelling written and oral submissions in front of a judge. This experience sharpens public speaking and persuasion abilities, as students learn to confidently argue their case in a courtroom setting.
Mooting also strengthens legal research and problem-solving skills, requiring students to analyse complex legal issues, interpret the law, and craft strategic arguments. In doing so, they build a deeper, more practical understanding of legal materials and litigation strategy. Time management is another key skill developed through the course, as students prepare submissions under deadlines, balancing thorough research with the need for clarity and precision.
Beyond advocacy, mooting builds confidence in students' legal judgment and capabilities, helping them become more self-assured as future legal advisors. Participation in national and international mooting competitions also offers students the chance to expand their networking opportunities, gaining connections with barristers, judges, and industry leaders. These competitions, along with work experience and exposure to high-profile legal figures, can open doors for future career opportunities, whether through internships, scholarships, or positions in prestigious legal chambers.
Winning competitions in mooting
This year, the Hertfordshire Law School expanded its presence in the national and international sphere by taking part in the ESU-Essex Court National Moot alongside the Thomas Finlay Memorial Moot in Dublin and the Jessup International Law Moot, the largest moot competition in the world.
The expanded presence of Hertfordshire in external competitions looks to build on previous success the school has had, which has included:
- Winning the ESU/Essex Court Chambers National Mooting Competition in 2008
- Runners-up in the OUP/BPP Mooting Competition in 2009
- Third highest score in the Commonwealth Mooting Competition, for which our students travelled to Hong Kong in 2009 to represent the UK
- Thomas A. Finlay Inter-Varsity Moot Competition 2018
Our success in these competitions means that the University provides our students with an excellent platform from which to build their future careers.
