Competitions FAQ
Signing up
Does it cost anything to enter?
No! Internal competitions are run by student volunteers and there is no cost to enter. There is no equipment required except your brain and your voice.
Some external competitions have a cost to entry but it is usually low. In some circumstances the LSA will cover your entry fee (speak to us if you think you’ll need our help).
How many people are in a team?
Nearly all competitions are run with teams of two. The exception is in certain external moots in which a third, non-speaking team-mate may be included as the researching solicitor.
Do I sign up for all competitions or just one?
You nominate the competition(s) you want to enter when you sign up. It can be one, several, or all of them (though we advise you to consider the time commitment involved).
Can I sign up if I don’t have a team-mate?
We strongly recommend that you find a team-mate before signing up. We can’t guarantee that we will be able to find you a partner, although we will try. The closer it is to competition time, the more important it is for you to have a partner when you sign up.
Scheduling
Do the competitions run during the week?
We try to be flexible and place rounds wherever we can to accommodate the needs of competitors and judges. Rounds may be held on weekdays, weeknights or weekends.
How much time will I need to commit?
It varies by competition. Client Interview and Witness Examination require no preparation time, so all you will need to put aside is the time for your rounds.
Negotiation needs a little more preparation time for you to understand the facts of the matter and prepare your strategy. A couple of days’ preparation is wise.
Mooting, because it requires legal research, writing and oral practice, requires the most. We suggest at least a week’s preparation for your round. But don’t let that put you off! It is by far the most rewarding and is the most highly regarded by employers.
The process
What should I wear?
Competitions simulate actual legal processes. Therefore you should dress professionally. Don’t worry if you don’t have a suit or business dress, just dress as neatly as you can.
How long is a hearing?
You should put aside an hour for Client Interview and Witness Examination, and 90 minutes for Mooting and Negotiation.
Where are rounds held?
Rounds are typically held in the Moot Court or the Conference Room in the Law Building (G36)
How are rounds scored?
Your team is scored in several categories, such as presentation, teamwork and preparation. The categories can vary by competition — for example, in Negotiation they will include the outcome you obtain for your client, and the relationship you develop with your opposing counsel.