During the previous academic year, students from Kent Law School (KLS) accomplished remarkable successes in mooting and mock trial competitions. Several teams advanced to the semi-finals in various national mooting competitions in 22/23, with the most significant accomplishment being the team’s advancement to the National Finals of the prestigious OUP/ICCA Moot. This competition, which has been running for decades, is highly competitive, with over 60 universities vying for a spot in the grand finals.
In a first for KLS, our team of mooters earned a place in the Grand Finals of the OUP/ICCA Moot, an outstanding accomplishment.
Darren Weir, Director of Lawyering Skills said, ‘For many years KLS has entered the competition and has reached the semi-final stage more than once, which is an amazing achievement. But, to see our team get through to the Grand Final held at Middle Temple was fantastic. A huge well done to Raph and Victoria for breaking records and getting us to the final’.
Raphael Hardy said: ‘It was a wonderful experience to moot against some of the best teams in the country on such a wide range of legal issues. The competition is tough, your submissions need to be on point and that is why the moot is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the country. It is a good challenge for those looking to improve on the existing skills they have built up at Kent’.
Victoria Bradshaw said:
‘It was an incredible experience and one I will remember into my career at the Bar. It is a chance to practise your advocacy skills against some of the best mooting teams in the UK. The renown competition tested our legal and oral argument skills like no other. Getting through each round was a testament to our commitment, hard-work and team work. We couldn’t have reached the finals without the help of our wonderful mentor Darren Weir, who is a valuable asset to Kent Law School. It was extremely challenging but very rewarding – an opportunity one should not pass!’
What is mooting?
Mooting is a popular activity among law students and legal professionals. It is essentially a simulated court proceeding where participants argue hypothetical legal cases. Moot courts give law students a chance to develop their argumentative and public speaking skills, as well as their knowledge of legal research and writing.
Mooting is just one of the lawyering skills offered at Kent Law School and is part of our outstanding co-curricular Lawyering Skills Programme. Owing to KLS’ growing reputation for practical lawyering skills, KLS has teamed up with Thomson Reuters Case Center to host the National Law Student Triathlon for the third successive year.