About WSLSA Competitions
Western Sydney Law Students’ Association Competitions · 2026
Learn. Prepare. Advocate.

WSLSA
Competitions

Put your legal studies into practice. Develop your confidence, find your community and take the next step in advocacy.

Get competition updates Explore the pathway
A WSLSA mooting competition in progress
From your first workshop to representing Western Sydney.
A practical introduction

What is mooting?

A moot is a simulated court hearing in which students present legal arguments before a judge or panel, known as the bench.

Most moots take the form of an appeal. Working from a supplied set of facts, you research the law, prepare written submissions and present oral arguments while responding to questions from the bench. Unlike a mock trial, the usual appellate moot does not involve calling witnesses.

It is an opportunity to practise research, writing, teamwork and advocacy, with feedback to help you improve.

A wide view of a moot with advocates, the bench and an audience in the courtroom
The courtroom experience.View photo
Our portfolio in action

Learn together.
Take your place.

From preparing with a teammate to presenting before the bench, competitions put your legal studies into practice.

Explore the opportunities to learn, compete and contribute to our competitions community.

Find your next step
Your pathway

Start where you are.
See where it takes you.

Four stages support students from their first workshop through to national and international competition. Explore each stage to find the opportunities suited to your experience.

01FoundationStart with a workshopBuild confidence and learn the fundamentals in a supportive setting. No experience required.
  • Mooting Skills Workshop — Justice Collier AM30 April 2026
  • Junior Criminal Law Moot WorkshopSpring 2026
02BeginnerEnter your first competitionDevelop your legal reasoning and advocacy with students who are also finding their feet.
03IntermediateBuild on your experienceRefine your preparation and performance through internal competitions and intervarsity opportunities.
  • Contracts Law Moot11–16 May 2026
  • Mistry Fallahi Cup17–22 August 2026
  • ADC–ICC Asia-Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition28–30 August 2026
  • Sir James Martin Moot — WSU × USyd2 September 2026
  • UNSW Intervarsity5–6 September 2026
  • WS Intervarsity Family Law Moot26–27 September 2026
04AdvancedRepresent Western SydneyBring your research, strategy and advocacy to national and international competitions. Selection criteria and subject prerequisites vary.
  • Sir Harry Gibbs Constitutional Law MootSelection: 17 July 2026
  • Michael Kirby Contract Law Moot21–24 September 2026
  • Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot2027 cycle · to be confirmed
  • Leiden–Sarin Air Law Moot2027 cycle · to be confirmed

This is an overview of the 2026 program and upcoming cycles, including events already held. Dates are indicative; check the competition page and WSLSA announcements for confirmed dates, eligibility and applications.

Inside a moot

Know what to expect.

Understanding the structure of a round helps you focus on your argument. The competition rules set the speaking order, time limits and marking criteria.

A mooter presenting submissions at a courtroom lectern
Presenting oral submissions.View photo
A mooter speaking at the lectern with notes and microphones
Advocacy before the bench.View photo

A typical speaking order

  1. Senior counsel for the appellant opens with appearances and an overview, then presents their submissions.
  2. Junior counsel for the appellant presents the remaining allocated submissions.
  3. Senior counsel for the respondent presents the respondent’s case.
  4. Junior counsel for the respondent addresses the remaining submissions.
  5. Reply, if permitted by the competition rules. Each side should make clear the orders it seeks.

What judges look for

Legal analysis. Accurate, well-supported arguments directed to the issues.

Structure. A clear roadmap and a persuasive order of submissions.

Responses to questions. Direct, considered answers that engage with the bench.

Advocacy. Clarity, pace, courtesy and persuasive delivery.

Teamwork. A consistent case and a clear division of responsibility.

Time management. Prioritising your arguments within the time allowed.

Prepare & write

Good advocacy starts here.

Break your preparation into manageable stages. Leave time to discuss the case with your teammate, revise your submissions and practise together.

Two competitors reviewing written material together at a desk
Preparing the case together.View photo
Two competitors discussing their papers together before a round
Sharing ideas and building confidence.View photo

  1. Read the problem

    Read it once for the whole picture, then again for the material facts, issues and competition instructions.

  2. Identify the issues

    Work out what each side must establish. Keep your submissions within the grounds allocated to you.

  3. Research carefully

    Start with any supplied authorities. Read the relevant cases and legislation yourself, and check every citation.

  4. Build your argument

    Set out what you need to prove, the authority supporting it and how that authority applies to the facts.

  5. Draft & refine

    Use clear headings and concise, direct language. Check that both counsel’s submissions form a consistent case.

  6. Practise aloud

    Time your submissions, invite questions and practise adapting your argument without losing your structure.

Beyond mooting

There is more than one way
to put law into practice.

Skills competitions bring other parts of legal practice to life. Several offer an accessible starting point for students who are new to competing.

Competitors being congratulated during a trophy presentation
Celebrating preparation, teamwork and achievement.View photo

Client interviewing

Conduct a simulated first meeting: listen to the client’s concerns, identify the issues and explore next steps. Develop rapport, questioning skills and professional judgement.

Negotiation

Act for a party with its own instructions and confidential information. Work towards an agreement while developing strategy, communication and interpersonal skills.

Mediation

Work through a commercial dispute with a mediator, taking the roles of client and counsel. Practise interest-based problem-solving and persuasion, as in the APCMC and Mistry Fallahi Cup.

Witness examination

Examine and cross-examine a witness using a supplied brief. Develop your command of the facts and learn to draw out helpful evidence and test the other side’s case.

A courtroom audience watching a moot, with advocates and the bench in view
A community supporting advocacy.View photo
Get involved

Be part of the program.

Compete, share your experience or help a round run smoothly. There are several ways to contribute to our competitions community.

Compete

Develop your research, writing and advocacy in a supportive setting. Find an event that suits your experience and availability.

Commitment varies by competition

Judge or volunteer

Support a round as a judge, marker, clerk or simulated client. Your time and feedback help students learn and grow.

Ask about available roles and rounds

Mentor

Help students prepare, share your experience and offer constructive feedback as they build their confidence.

Arrange a commitment that suits you
Discuss getting involved
Your questions

Before you begin.

A few answers to help you take the first step.

I’m in first year. Is it too early?
No. WSLSA offers competitions designed for beginners, including the Foundations Division of the Junior Criminal Law Moot. Check the eligibility requirements for the competition you are interested in.
What if I have no mooting experience?
You are welcome to start with a workshop or beginner competition. Skills competitions, including client interviewing and negotiation, are also useful ways to begin.
Do I need to have studied the area of law?
For many internal and novice competitions, you can research the law as you prepare. Some advanced moots have subject prerequisites, so check the competition information before applying.
Can I get involved without a team?
Yes. Contact competitions@wslsa.com.au about individual registration and team matching. The registration process varies between competitions.
How will it fit around work and study?
Check the preparation period and round dates before committing. Advanced external moots can involve intensive preparation, so consider your study, work and clerkship commitments when applying.
How do I apply?
Applications are advertised through WSLSA channels and individual competition pages. Subscribe to competition updates to hear about opportunities, or contact the competitions team.
Your competitions team

We’re here to help.

Get in touch with the member of the Subcommittee best placed to assist.

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