Law School

Mooting and Competitions

The University of Exeter boasts an excellent, and growing, mooting programme, which provides undergraduate and postgraduate students with the opportunity to participate in a broad range of competitions.

Mooting is a vital part of every law student’s education. Whether you intend to practice as a solicitor or a barrister, the advocacy skills that a moot teaches are invaluable.

Competitions

The Law School, in co-operation with student partners, has re-designed its competition activities in order to encourage participation and give each student an excellent experience of advocacy. The mooting programme runs on three levels, organised by the Director of Mooting, Lindsey Connett, in collaboration with students from a variety of Law Societies.

"Mooting provides students with the opportunities to develop and practice their advocacy skills during the early stages of their legal and academic careers.  It also provides the chance for students to experience working in a practical way with case law application and hearing bundles, encouraging responsibility and the development of a professional work ethic."

Lindsey Connett, Director of Mooting, Negotiating and Client Interviewing

Internal Competitions

There are three all school competitions running this year:

National Competitions

Exeter Law School sends teams to a wide variety of national competitions. Law Societies from across the University are able to contribute to the selection of the competitions and lead the organisation of the teams. Supported by excellent coaches, these competitions provide an excellent opportunity to compete and network at a high level as well as meet other students from across the UK and build a network in the legal community.

The Law School has recently entered:

International Competitions

The Law School also selects students to enter International Mooting Competitions. The experience of taking part is invaluable to any student wishing to pursue a career in advocacy. The Law School provides extensive support to these teams in the form of coaching, including the provision of multiple practice moots before the competitions. Academic staff members, as well as barristers and solicitors, help students improve their ability to construct legal argument and develop their advocacy skills through various workshops, and practice moots.

The Law School will be entering various competitions including:

“The competition challenged me to think critically, analyse complex legal issues, and present my arguments in a clear and persuasive manner. I learned so much from the experience, not just about international law, but also about teamwork, communication, and leadership. Additionally, I had the opportunity to meet so many brilliant and talented individuals from around the UK. I met with people who share the same interest in and passion for international law."

Fedaa, LLB Law, who took part in the Philip C Jessup Competition

Students can express an interest in taking part, or ask for more detail by emailing Lindsey Connett.

Facilities

A mock court room, with tables and chairs, bookcases and the University shield on the wall. At one table there are two students facing a client. To the left are three observers to the conversation taking place.

The custom-built Moot Court offers students invaluable opportunities to take part in mooting activities.

We host mooting competitions and help students to prepare for national mooting contests.

The Moot Court is equipped with the latest technology, including high-spec video conferencing.

Research and resources

Mooters have a dedicated minilibrary hosted at the Law School at their exclusive disposal. This contains books on mooting and public speaking, as well as specialised monographs on the topics relevant to the ongoing mooting competitions. We also have dedicated staff at the library devoted to helping our mooters with their research.

We recommend that mooters use guidance on Law reports available on the library website and arrange sessions with the Lexis/JustCite representatives as necessary. Mooting teams may borrow law reports or other reference material from the Law Library provided they make prior arrangements. Lists of materials should be submitted to the enquiry desk in Information Central (level -1) the day before so that the books can be processed by the library.

The Law School includes the ‘Amory Law Wing’, a purpose built technology-rich learning space which provides a highly professional environment for students. The facilities include a custom-built Moot Court for simulated legal hearings and four large executive boardrooms designed to support group learning. The Moot Court and boardrooms are equipped with the latest technology, including high-spec video conferencing.

What is a moot?

A moot competition is a simulated legal argument before an appellate court. Mooters must research the law relevant to the problem, prepare written submissions and present their argument orally to the moot judge. Moot problems may be about any area of law, but often focus on issues that are contentious or on developing areas of law. To win, you do not necessarily have to win the legal case, but must make the best presentation of your legal arguments.

"Competing in mooting in my first year at university was a huge benefit to me. In addition to the academically challenging experience of having to research areas of law that I had never encountered before, crafting persuasive arguments in those areas meant that I was able to develop transferrable skills that I would later use in essays and exams. Personally, success in mooting meant that I was able to have greater confidence in my abilities – in both legal research and in public speaking. Whether you are involved at an international or national level, or simply wish to compete amongst fellow students, the experience of mooting can be invaluable for nurturing crucial skills that will be utilised for the entirety of your law degree."
Beth, Law LLB

Why moot?

The benefits of mooting are manifold. Mooting affords participants the opportunity to develop their understanding of the law and improve their skills in legal research and analysis. Mooters learn to develop and defend legal arguments and to work closely with their teammates towards a common goal, in a way that serves to increase confidence and improve public speaking skills. Mooting allows for interaction between students and members of academic staff, practitioners and judges, in a rewarding environment.

“Truthfully, I was totally terrified to even have a go at  mooting, but once I had started, I couldn’t stop. For me, mooting wasn’t just a tick-box exercise for applications, it allowed me to explore vast and even niche areas of law, to develop complex arguments and most of all to gain confidence in my ability. The Landmark Chambers Property Moot was probably my favourite competition, the opportunity to be in a real Chambers, being judged by real barristers was daunting, but equally wonderful.” Olivia, Law LLB