Learn more about mooting

Are you ready to take your legal education to the next level? Join the Moot Court teams at Edinburgh Law School and immerse yourself in the thrilling and intellectually stimulating practice of mooting. Moot Court is not just an extracurricular activity; it is a transformative experience that hones your advocacy skills, boosts your confidence, and enhances your legal acumen.
Discover the thrill of mooting
Moot Court is a simulated court proceeding where law students argue imaginary cases for practice. This dynamic exercise offers a hands-on opportunity to engage in both written and oral advocacy. You'll step into the shoes of a lawyer, crafting persuasive legal arguments and presenting them before a panel of judges. Whether you aspire to be a litigator, a corporate lawyer, or an academic, mooting equips you with essential skills that are invaluable in any legal career.
The benefits of written and oral advocacy
Written advocacy:
- Research excellence: Delve deep into legal research, analysing complex legal facts which require acute thinking, strategic mind and application of the law.
- Precision and clarity: Learn to draft clear, concise, and compelling legal documents, from memorials to briefs and speeches.
- Attention to detail: Develop meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every argument is well-supported and every citation is accurate.
Oral advocacy:
- Public speaking: Enhance your public speaking skills, learning to articulate your thoughts confidently and persuasively.
- Critical thinking: Think on your feet, responding to challenging questions and counterarguments from judges, arbitrators and opposing counsel.
- Persuasive argumentation: Master the art of persuasion, convincing adjudicators with logical, coherent, and compelling arguments.
Advantages for your CV
Participating in Moot Court is a powerful addition to your CV, signaling to potential employers that you possess practical experience and a deep understanding of the law. Here’s how Moot Court can enhance your career prospects:
- Stand out: Mooting experience sets you apart from other candidates, showcasing your commitment to legal excellence and your proactive approach to professional development.
- Practical skills: Demonstrate your ability to perform under pressure, your adeptness at legal research and writing, and your skill in oral advocacy.
- Network building: Connect with legal professionals, judges, and peers, expanding your professional network and opening doors to mentorship and career opportunities.
- Teamwork and leadership: Show your ability to work collaboratively in a team and your potential to take on leadership roles.
Join our Moot Court teams
The Law School supports students to enter a variety of mooting competitions that cater to diverse interests within the legal field, including international law, European law, commercial law and arbitration, and more. We encourage to engage in mooting, not only as a team member, but also as a coach, if you have further professional experience and are willing to help your peers. The academic and professional services community at the Law School provide both, training and support, ensuring you are well-prepared to excel in competitions and beyond.
Mooting students join a vibrant community of aspiring legal professionals. Develop skills that will serve you throughout your career and enjoy the camaraderie, friendship and team-building that Moot Court brings.
Get involved
Ready to embark on this enriching journey? Find out more about the competition you would like to enter contact the relevant coach or academic member of staff and take your first step towards becoming a skilled advocate. For more information on how to join and upcoming events, visit our website or contact Agata Daszko (mooting coordinator).