For National Law Week this year, the Mackay District Law Association (MDLA) held its annual moot competition. The competition, which is generally open to trainee solicitors, was this year also open to graduate solicitors who were unable to compete in the competition last year due to COVID-19. As a result, an unprecedented number of trainee and graduate solicitors from various firms in Mackay signed up to put their advocacy skills to the test and get to know one another.
A moot is a mock court trial where trainee and graduate solicitors were teamed up to compete against each other in the presence of a judge. Preliminary moots were held on Monday, 10 May and Tuesday, 11 May. The winners from the preliminary moots then went on to compete in a final moot on Friday 14 May.
Macrossan & Amiet was represented by two trainee solicitors, Lucy Guye and Connor Boccalatte in the preliminary rounds. The preliminary moot was a criminal matter using the facts from the fable Jack and the Beanstalk.
Lucy Guye, who was partnered with Laura Clout from McKays Solicitors, was successful in convicting Jack of a charge of unlawful homicide. The topic of the final moot was a civil matter using the facts from The Three Little Pigs fable. Lucy and Laura acted for the plaintiffs, the three little pigs, in a claim against the Wolf for trespass to land. Members of the legal profession attended the final moot to support their peers and provide constructive feedback.
Both teams had a great performance and received invaluable feedback to assist in developing their skills for their future court appearances. Lucy and Laura narrowly missed out on the win, with the Judge finding in favour of the defendants.
Participating in the moots was a rewarding experience for the trainee and graduate solicitors. The moot presented an opportunity for new members of the legal profession to develop skills, network and learn from experienced judges and barristers.
Macrossan & Amiet would like to congratulate and thank all the participants, volunteers and coordinators involved with the moot.
