EXTRA-CURRICULAR

2021 MOCK TRIAL Grand Final Winners

Congratulations to our talented Mock Trial team who are 2021 Grand Final Champions, and to team member Lydia who was awarded the coveted Student Advocacy prize. Loreto Kirribilli have now won the prestigious competition for 2 of the last 3 years - an outstanding achievement!

On Thursday 9 December, the 2021 Loreto Kirribilli Mock Trial Team competed against Trinity Grammar School in the Grand Final of the Mock Trial Competition conducted by the Law Society of NSW. The case had Loreto Kirribilli as the Prosecution in a criminal matter involving the assault and robbery of an Uber Eats delivery driver.

While the accused was found not guilty, Loreto Kirribilli were victorious, winning the Grand Final with a score of 192 v 173. Year 11 student Lydia was awarded the Student Advocacy Prize for her outstanding performance in the role of Second Barrister for the Prosecution.

Congratulations to the Mock Trial team: Lydia Colla, Charlotte Blundell, Matilda Damian, Olivia Jacobs, Hannah Merlin, Greta Perrignon, Imogen Wills and Sophia Wood.

From armed robbery to arson; financial fraud to council disputes; dangerous driving to larceny; the 2021 Mock Trial team enjoyed a year filled with challenging cases, enjoying wins against schools including Newington, Queenwood and James Ruse. “We had many opportunities to develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as improving our collaboration as a team,” said team member Charlotte.

This is the second time Loreto Kirribilli has won the Grand Finals under the expert tutelage of Legal Studies Teacher Phillip Bain, securing the top spot two years ago in 2019. He was assisted by Senior School Teacher Charlotte Pearson and Loreto Kirribilli’s two coaches, Justice Julia Lonergan (’78) and Mr John Berry OAM, a founding member and barrister of Lachlan Macquarie Chambers since 1985.

The Mock Trial Competition is conducted by The Law Society of New South Wales and is a practical means of introducing students to the law and to increase understanding of the judicial system. The competition is designed to help students increase basic skills such as listening, speaking, writing, reading and analysing.

Throughout the year they have shown enthusiasm, commitment, supportive teamwork, a sense of fun and the passion to strive to improve. PHILLIP BAIN

“Our experience as members of the 2021 Mock Trial team has been unlike any in other extra-curricular subjects,” said Charlotte. “We are so grateful to have been involved in the competition, and we’re really proud of how the entire team has worked together to bring justice to the courtroom.”