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Moot Manual
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Introduction
Competitive mooting is a tradition among Canadian Law schools.
Participation in a competitive moot is a major opportunity to develop skills, confidence and knowledge. Mooting offers one-on-one intensive coaching and evaluation by peers, faculty, senior lawyers and the bench – up to and including the Supreme Court of Canada. The work is tough but extremely satisfying. The competitive aspect brings out the best in participants. Mooting is also a powerful networking opportunity, especially for students interested in specific practice areas. It demonstrates the excellence of our students and our school, and is a significant source of prestige for both.
Participation in a competitive moot requires you to enroll in LAW 598, a three academic credit course in the Winter term. For students who are currently enrolled in five Winter-term courses, you will need to select a course to drop in order to make room for your moot. You will receive a letter grade for the course, assigned by your moot coach. The program is open to second- and third-year law students.
Students must apply to join a team. Participants are selected based on interest, qualification, and available space.
In 2023-24, the University of Alberta will be participating in 21 competitions, providing moot opportunities for more than 70 students. Unless otherwise indicated, the competitions have indicated their intention to hold their competitions in-person. However, there always exists the possibility that the organizers may choose to pivot to an online competition. The information contained in this manual is the most accurate and up-to-date information we have at the moment, but is subject to change as circumstances evolve.
For more information about the Competitive Mooting Program, please contact Chris Samuel, Director of the Legal Research and Writing Program, at cnsamuel@ualberta.ca.
General Information
Information on selection rounds and application processes has been circulated by email.
If selected for a moot team, students register in Law 598: Moot Court Competition, a three credit course in the second (winter) term. This applies regardless of when the competition occurs.
Participating in a moot does not guarantee a high grade. Grades are based on student performance. Coaches establish assessment criteria for each moot.
A faculty member or practitioner, or both, coaches each moot. Coaches typically enlist volunteer lawyers and judges to advise on the legal issues, preparation of the materials and oral presentation. The Edmonton bar and bench have been generous in providing time and other support to the program.
Competitive moots are judged by members of the judiciary and senior members of the bar.
Generally, the work is intense and includes:
Legal research and analysis
Preparation, review and revision of factums or other written argument
Practice, practice, and practice of oral advocacy
Networking with competitors, advisors and judges
The bulk of moot work occurs between the time of the selection to a team (generally in late September or early October) and the competition itself, generally in February or March. Read the moot descriptions in this Manual for more information about work distribution.
How to Apply for a Moot Team
You may apply to several teams, but be chosen only for one.
For most moots, competing in the Brimacombe Selection Round is a prerequisite. Some other moots will have their own selection process. Information about alternative selection processes will be circulated by email as they become available. You may also contact the individual competition coach directly.
If participation in the Brimacombe is a prerequisite for your desired moots, ensure that your completed application form is submitted by Saturday, September 23rd at 11:59pm.
Registration for Law 598: Moot Court Competition, occurs after selection. See the “How to Register” section at the end of the Moot Manual.
Students who have mooted in the previous year are encouraged to apply again for a new moot. Except in exceptional circumstances, students cannot participate in the same moot twice (exception: the Jessup International Law Moot). The Vice Dean makes the final decision of whether a student can participate in the same moot twice. Permission must be given in advance of the selection process.
Brimacombe Selection Round
The Moot Competitions
Alberta Court of Appeal Moot
Bennett Jones Health Law Moot
Canadian Client Consultation Competition
Clinton J. Ford Moot
Davies Canadian Corporate/Securities Law Moot
Donald G. Bowman National Tax Moot
The Gale Cup
The Harold G. Fox Canadian Intellectual Property Moot
The Julias Alexander Isaac Moot
Kawaskimhon National Aboriginal Moot
The Laskin Memorial Moot
Mathews Dinsdale & Clark National Labour Arbitration Competition
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
