It was once again National Law Week from the 14th to 18th May 2012. The Mackay District Law Association (MDLA) organised the annual moot competition where Trainee Solicitors from various firms in Mackay teamed up to compete against each other.
A moot is a mock court trial where Trainee Solicitors get the chance to practice the skill of advocacy in the presence of a judge. There were two preliminary moots, held on Monday 14th May and Wednesday 16th May. The winners from each preliminary moot would then go on to compete in a final moot on 18th May. Acting Magistrate Morrow presided over the moots and was assisted by local Barristers in adjudicating the matters.
Macrossan & Amiet was represented by Trainee Solicitor, Kayven McGrath who was partnered with Artemis Vasilaras from McKays Solicitors. The preliminary moot was a criminal matter using the facts from the fable Jack and the Beanstalk.
Kayven and Artemis were successful in defending Jack from a charge of unlawful homicide.
Members of the legal profession and community attended the moot to support their learning peers and to provide constructive feedback. The topic of the final moot was a civil matter portraying the fairy tale, The Three Little Pigs. Kayven and Artemis acted for the Plaintiffs, the three little pigs, in a law suit against the Big Bad Wolf for trespass for blowing two of the little pig’s houses down. Both teams had a great performance using the practical advice and feedback from the Barristers in their final arguments. Kayven and Artemis narrowly missed out on the win, with the adjudicators finding in favour of the defendants.
The moots were very rewarding for the Trainee Solicitors to practice their advocacy skills and to have the opportunity to learn from experienced Barristers.
Participating in the moot gave Trainee Solicitors the opportunity to meet and work with other Trainee Solicitors in Mackay.
Macrossan & Amiet would like to congratulate and thank all the participants, volunteers and coordinators involved with the moot.
