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VU Law School celebrates breakthrough mooting victory
Victoria Law School’s team of Edwina Dane and Daniel Goldsworthy triumphed over a strong state-wide field to win the Junior Moot at the 2008 VCLSS (Victorian Council Law Students Society) Governor General Mooting Competition run by Melbourne University last month. Defeating Monash University on the way to victory over Deakin University’s team in the Grand Final at the Federal Court, Ms. Dane emphasised that winning the most prestigious mooting competition in Victoria is a real breakthrough for Victoria University (VU). "For a number of years we have been doing very well, but have not managed to win a grand final as yet," said Ms. Dane. "This shows that VU mooting teams are a real force to be reckoned with, and puts the university on the map in an area that is highly regarded by the legal profession." Ms. Dane believes that topping a competition involving all of VU’s local competitors is also important for boosting the self belief, pride and profile of students at the Law School; hopefully inspiring them to get more involved in school life. "I really want VU law students to know that they are just as good – if not better – than students at other unis and now we have proven it," she said. "I hope that this win encourages more students to get involved in mooting, the Law Students Society (LSS) and other opportunities offered at the school." "Eventually this will mean more success for the uni, as the more students that get involved will mean more competition and therefore even better students will be representing us (the University) in the competitions." VU competes in several mooting competitions around Australia, as well as overseas, and these are seen as essential learning experiences for Law students to sample the heat of battle in the courtroom. These competitions take the shape of mock courts, in which hypothetical cases are argued before a judge, with a team of two student advocates representing each side. "I find it extremely nerve wracking, whereas Daniel is always calm, telling me to not stress and that I know what I am saying," said Ms. Dane. "But I love the nerves and it’s a rush of excitement when you stand up to talk; your hands are shaking and your mouth goes dry." "Usually, in moots where the judges are really good, you get asked lots of questions and generally will not be able to use your notes or script, so it is really about thinking on your feet and being flexible". With the ‘facts’ of the case agreed upon beforehand, the mooting is generally concerned with demonstrating to the judge that the law as it stands favours your client, which requires extensive preparation by the student advocates. "We spend a number of days, depending on when we get the question, working on preparing our submissions; to make sure we know the law and the cases inside out,” said Ms. Dane. “I did not think that we would win, but we were sure as hell going to try and we worked very hard together to make sure our submissions were airtight." While the mooters are not allowed any outside help preparing their submissions, Ms. Dane is very grateful for help in other ways from staff and students from the Law School. "Alison Cusak (fellow student) was a lot of help, as she watched our heat and gave us lots of feedback from where we went wrong and how we could improve," she said. "Before the final, Dr Bruno Zeller and Kristy Haining (student) listened to our arguments and helped us with our expression and technique and we really appreciate the help of those three." "This success is testament to the hard work and fabulous job the LSS does in supporting our teams." After all the nerves and excitement, the honour and importance of winning such a prestigious event is starting to sink in and Edwina and Daniel are very proud of their achievement. "This has been a very exciting experience and a great opportunity for both Daniel and I. As all mooters do, we take on the moots as extra work on top of our studies and other commitments and it is such a reward when we do well." If you are interested in mooting, or being part of one of the VU teams, please contact Jacqui Arena or Jodie Sheppard from the Law Students Society for more information on 9919 1871.
Last reviewed:
29/10/2008
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