Competitions Guide 2014

COMPETITIONS GUIDE

2014

1

This is the hub for competitions on our website.

The winners of each round of competitions will be posted here each Sunday at 4:00 pm .

For more information, visit:

www.ndsls.org/competitions 2

CONTENTS 1.

Foreword

4

2.

Calendar

5

3.

Competition Rules

8

4.

Dress Code

15

5.

NDSLS Competitions

a. Negotiation

16

b. Client Interview

21

c. Mooting

26

d. Paper Presentation

31

6.

Intervarsity Competitions

35

7.

Contacts Us

38

3

Dear Students, This guide has been written for anyone who is participating, or intending to participate, in our competitions. The guide comprises a series of information and gives advice on various issues from what is involved in each competition, to time commitment, and how to prepare.

Each of the competitions allows you to get a feel for what law is about and what sort of skills practicing law will require you to have and develop. The NDSLS runs our competitions at both the junior and senior levels, encouraging first time competitors – and first years - to try out various competitions and develop their skills and confidence. If you want my opinion, competitions are your best way to socially engage with other law students.

For those of you who register, to find out whom you will be competing against and who your team represents, you can download the roster from our website. In regards to case materials, you will need your competition password to download your script. A week prior to the commencement of the competition you will receive your competition password to download your script. At the conclusion of each round you will be able to access your next script. You will need to contact me on the competitions email if you have not received yours via email.

I encourage all of you, as prospective competitors, to attend the Competitions Launch BBQ, which is to be held first week back in the courtyard from 11am-1:30pm, Thursday 27th February. We want to make Notre Dame a strong national force in legal competitions, and it starts with every law student, with any level of experience – that’s you – getting involved.

Best of luck this year, Julia Lavers Competitions Director competitions@ndsls.org

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CALENDAR S

ORIENTATION WEEK

Monday 17 Feb

Tuesday 18 Feb

Wednesday 19 Feb

Thursday 20 Feb

Friday 21 Feb

Saturday 22 Feb

Sunday 23 Feb

TEACHING WEEK 1

24 Feb

25 Feb

26 Feb

27 Feb

28 Feb

1 Mar

2 Mar

Competitions Registration Opens

TEACHING WEEK 2

3 Mar

4 Mar

5 Mar

6 Mar

7 Mar

8 Mar

12:30pm Negotiation Info Session

TEACHING WEEK 3

10 Mar

11 Mar

12 Mar

13 Mar

14 Mar

15 Mar

9 Mar Close of Registration *except PP 16 Mar

TEACHING WEEK 4

17 Mar

18 Mar

19 Mar

20 Mar

21 Mar

22 Mar

23 Mar

TEACHING WEEK 5

24 Mar

25 Mar

26 Mar

27 Mar

28 Mar

29 Mar

30 Mar

12:30pm Negotiation Round 1 12:30pm Negotiation Round 2

TEACHING WEEK 6

31 Mar

1 Apr

2 Apr

3 Apr

4 Apr

5 Apr

6 Apr

Good Friday Easter Long Weekend (campus closed) TBC 6:30pm Negotiation Grand Final

TEACHING WEEK 7

7 Apr

8 Apr

9 Apr

10 Apr

11 Apr

12 Apr

13 Apr

12:30pm Client Interview Workshop

TEACHING WEEK 8

14 Apr

15 Apr

16 Apr

17 Apr

18 Apr

19 Apr

20 Apr

TUITION FREE WEEK

21 Apr

22 Apr

23 Apr

24 Apr

25 Apr

26 Apr

27 Apr

Anzac Day

TEACHING WEEK 9

28 Apr

29 Apr

30Apr

1 May

2 May

3 May

4 May

TEACHING WEEK 10

5 May

6 May

7 May

8 May

9 May

10 May

10May

TEACHING WEEK 11

12 May

13 May

14 May

15 May

16 May

17 May

18 May

TEACHING WEEK 12

19 May

20 May

21 May

22 May

23 May

24 May

25 May

12:30pm Client Interview Round 1 12:30pm Client Interview Round 2 12:30pm Client Interview Round 3 Client Interview Grand Final TBA

TEACHING WEEK 13

26 May

27 May

28 May

29 May

30 May

31 May

1 Jun

STUDY WEEK

2 Jun

3 Jun

4 Jun

5 Jun

6 Jun

7 Jun

8 Jun

SEMESTER 1 EXAMS

9Jun

10 Jun

11 Jun

12 Jun

13 Jun

14 Jun

15 Jun

SEMESTER 1 EXAMS

16 Jun

17 Jun

18 Jun

19 Jun

20 Jun

21 Jun

22 Jun

E M E S T E R

O N E

5

12:30pm Client Interview Info Session

12:30pm Negotiation Workshops

Queen’s Birthday

Monday

S E M E

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

ORIENTATION WEEK

21 Jul

22 Jul

23 Jul

24 Jul

25 Jul

26 Jul

27 Jul

TEACHING WEEK 1

28 Jul

29 Jul

30 Jul

31 Jul

1 Aug

2 Aug

3 Aug

TEACHING WEEK 2

4 Aug

5 Aug

6 Aug

7 Aug

8 Aug

9 Aug

10 Aug

TEACHING WEEK 3

11 Aug

12 Aug

13 Aug

14 Aug

15 Aug

16 Aug

17 Aug

Bank Holiday (campus closed) Mooting Skills Lab TBA

TEACHING WEEK 4

18 Aug

19 Aug

20 Aug

21 Aug

22 Aug

23 Aug

24 Aug

Mooting Skills Lab TBA

TEACHING WEEK 5

25 Aug

26 Aug

27 Aug

28 Aug

29 Aug

30 Aug

31 Aug

Mooting Round 1

TEACHING WEEK 6

1 Sept

2 Sept

3 Sept

4 Sept

5 Sept

6 Sept

7 Sept

TEACHING WEEK 7

8 Sept

9 Sept

10 Sept

11 Sept

12 Sept

13 Sept

14 Sept

Paper Presentations Lab TBA

TEACHING WEEK 8

15 Sept

16 Sept

17 Sept

18 Sept

19 Sept

20 Sept

21 Sept

TEACHING WEEK 9

22 Sept

23 Sept

24 Sept

25 Sept

26 Sept

27 Sept

28 Sept

Mooting Round 2 TBA Paper Presentations Submissions

TUITION FREE WEEK

29 Sept

30 Sept

1 Oct

2 Oct

3 Oct

4 Oct

5 Oct

TEACHING WEEK 10

6 Oct

7 Oct

8 Oct

9 Oct

10 Oct

11 Oct

12 Oct

TEACHING WEEK 11

13 Oct

14 Oct

15 Oct

16 Oct

17 Oct

18 Oct

19 Oct

TEACHING WEEK 12

20 Oct

21 Oct

22 Oct

23 Oct

24 Oct

25 Oct

26 Oct

TEACHING WEEK 13

27 Oct

28 Oct

29 Oct

30 Oct

31 Oct

1 Nov

2 Nov

STUDY WEEK

3 Nov

4 Nov

5 Nov

6 Nov

7 Nov

8 Nov

9 Nov

SEMESTER 2 EXAMS

10 Nov

11 Nov

12 Nov

13 Nov

14 Nov

15 Nov

16 Nov

SEMESTER 2 EXAMS

17 Nov

18 Nov

19 Nov

20 Nov

21 Nov

22 Nov

23 Nov

Mooting Info Session Paper Presentations Editing Lab TBA

S T E R

T W O

6

Labour Day (campus closed) Mooting Grand Final TBA

Registration for Paper Presentation closes, 5pm.

Mooting Round 3 TBA

Registrations Registration for Negotiation and Client Interview competitions opens Monday February 25 and will close Sunday March 9.

Registration for the Paper Presentations competitions opens Monday February 25 and will close Friday September 26.

Registration for Mooting opens Monday July 23 and will close Friday August 15.

To register, complete the online registration form by visiting:

www.ndsls.org/competitions

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COMPETITION RULES 1. This document provides the rules, which shall govern participation in the Notre Dame Sydney Law Society (‘the NDSLS’) Competitions.

2. The Competitions fall within the portfolio of the Competitions Director, who shall be responsible for the enforcement of these rules and the overall supervision of the competitions. i.

All decisions of the Competitions Director are final unless otherwise specified in this document.

3. The email competitions@ndsls.org.au should be your first point of call for all problems. a. Similarly, correspondence should be via student (Notre Dame) emails. Any other source shall not be deemed as official.

4. All competitions are run in accordance to the NDSLS rules – competitors should familiarise themselves with these rules before competing.

Competitor’s Obligations 5. Participation in Competitions signifies an agreement to abide by the rules and guidelines set out within this document.

6. Participation in the Competitions is open to all students currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Notre Dame Sydney Campus.

7. In order to participate in the NDSLS Legal Skills Competitions, students must submit their registration to the Competitions Director in the method that he/she prescribes. a. Registration must be made through online forms - email competitions@ndsls.org for further information.

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8. Registrations must be received by the allocated date. Late entry is at the discretion of the Competitions Director.

9. In keeping with the professional expectations of the NDSLS, we request you comply with the guidelines of the Dress Code , observable at page 11 of this guide.

10. The Competitions Director reserves the right to disqualify any team or participant for: a. A breach of the rules in this document. b. A breach of any University and/or Law School rules. c. Conduct that is not befitting to the competitions including, but not limited to: i. Being late or failing to turn up to a competition; ii. Failing to respect the authority or misleading judges or organisers; iii. Failing to show suitable respect or misleading fellow competitors; iv. Making a serious or intentional ethical violation. d. The Competitions Director may hear complaints and make preliminary decisions in regards to the above, however, the final decision resides in the joint agreement of the President of the Law Society.

11. It is at the discretion of teams, whether they wish to use books, notes, and other materials including props. They must, however, be realistic

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a. With Paper Presentation, students may opt to utilize a whiteboard, overhead projector or a customized power point to assist or supplement their presentation.

12. Responsibility rests with the student participants for timekeeping and for adherence to allotted time periods and breaks. However, if resources and volunteers are available, timekeepers or timekeeping devices may be provided, but no individual associated with a participant may act as timekeeper in a competition involving such participant. b. Competitors are not permitted to use mobile phones during the preparation or judging period, except as a time keeping device. This must be made clear to the judge who must be able to monitor the devices use.

13.

The

Competitions

Director

will

be

contactable

via

email:

competitions@ndsls.org a. Any other correspondence will not be considered official.

14.

Once

competitions

have

commenced,

there

shall

be

no

modifications made to teams subject to the Competition Director’s discretion. a. Modifications to teams may be made at the latest 24 hours prior to the nominated time for round one. b. For the Mooting competitions modifications may be made to a team at the latest 24 hours prior to the due time for the submission of outline of arguments -subject to the approval of the Competitions Director. After 24 hours a forfeit will automatically be applied and the team disqualified from the competition.

10

15. If a team member is unable to participate in a particular round after the commencement of competitions, the team must forfeit, unless suitable arrangements can be made. This will depend on; a. The availability of Judges and venues; b. The availability of the opposing team to reschedule; c. The reason for inability to compete; d. Discretion of the Competitions Director 16. Whilst all attempts will be made there is no guarantee or obligation placed on the Competitions Director to reallocate timeslots in the event that a participant is unable to compete.

Observer’s Obligations 17. Observation of the Competition is encouraged, however potential for disruption must be minimised.

a. Observers should not enter or leave the room during the negotiation session or the self-analysis period.

b. Judges may, if they wish, request that observers leave the room while they confer. Apart from that discretion, observers may watch all segments of a round.

c. No observer shall attempt to communicate in any way with any team members from the beginning of the participants’ negotiation session to the conclusion of the last selfanalysis. Any communication breaching this rule and may result in disqualification.

11

Obligations of the NDSLS 18. The Competitions Director will adhere to the ‘Competitions Timeline’ as published on the NDSLS Website during ‘O Week’. a. This timetable may be subject to change depending on Judges and venue availability and the Law School class timetable.

19. The Competitions Director will update all competitors of changes to the timetable, if and when they arise.

20. The Competitions Director will endeavour to ensure minimal clashes between Competitions timetabling and Law School class timetabling. a. Competition rounds will generally be held in the common university lunchtime (12:30-1:30pm) and evening to help ensure minimal clashes 21. The competitions structure is set forth as: a. All competitors compete in each preliminary round of the

competition. b. With the aim to pass on those who are stronger in the teams,

the highest-ranking teams from across the preliminary rounds, as determined by aggregate scores, according to ALSA Rules 3.5.1.2.1 - 3.5.1.4, advance to the Semi and Grand Finals. c. The remaining competitors from each round are ranked on a reserve list according to their scores and in the event that a competitor is unable to participate in the Grand Final, that competitor’s position is filled by the competitor ranked highest on the reserve list

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22. By midnight on the day, one week prior to a scheduled competition round, the Competitions Director will email competitors their competitions password for the website which will allow them access to their problem, applicable law, brief or any other relevant documents. a. In regards to Client Interview, by midnight on the day, one week

prior

to

a

scheduled

competition

round,

the

Competitions Director will email clients a brief containing a fact scenario outlining their personality and the legal problem.

23. All decisions of judges in all competitions are final.

24. In the event of a tie, the aggregate scores of the competition will be used to make a final decision. This decision shall be final.

25. Any concerns or appeals regarding competitions must be made initially to the Competitions Director for adjudication. a. An appeal must be either administrative or equitable in nature. The results of a competition cannot be appealed purely on the grounds of a disagreement. b. In the event that the dispute involves the Competitions Director personally, the President may be substituted. i.

In the event that the dispute involves the President personally, the Vice President may be substituted.

c. If you are unhappy with the decision of the Competitions Committee you may appeal to the Executive of the NDSLS i. This is the final level of appeal.

26. If a party wishes to compete in a competition, representing NDSLS, they must first get the permission of the Competitions Director or President of the Law Society.

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a. If there is more than one party interested in the position, the Competitions Director will organise a selection process.

27. Subject to the discretion of the NDSLS, the winner(s) of the Competitions may be invited to represent the NDSLS and the University of Notre Dame Sydney at the Australian Law Students Association Annual Conference (ALSA) a. The NDSLS is not under any circumstances obliged to invite a competitor to compete at ALSA. b. The Competitions Director may if necessary invite a runner up to attend in the event the winner(s) should be unable to attend the ALSA Conference. c. If suitable then the Competitions Director may also invite persons who did not participate in the competition, but who are of a high standard and thus suitable for national representation. d. The NDSLS is under no obligation to provide financial support to those invited to compete at the ALSA Conference.

28. All rules in this document are applied at the discretion of the NDSLS and may be edited, amended or applied in any way that they see fit. This should only occur in the interest of equity, fairness or efficiency.

14

Dress Code For a career in an office environment, you will be expected to wear corporate attire. In addition to seeing competitions as enriching your student experience and preparing you for what comes next, you should also consider competitions as instilling you with that ready to work attitude. As such, competitors are required to observe the Notre Dame Law Society Competitions Dress Code.

Ladies are required to wear a business suit or otherwise, dress pants or skirt with a tailored blouse.

Gentlemen require a business suit, or tailored pants, a work shirt and tie.

Please ensure you are dressed appropriately.

15

Negotiation In one sentence…

Negotiation is all about avoiding an entrenched position while improving your reasoning by getting the other side to agree to an outcome in the best interests of your client.

What is involved?

Negotiation is a mock mediation session where solicitors attempt to resolve a dispute. Representing their respective parties, they must attempt to reach an outcome to the negotiation that satisfies their client’s interests.

Competitors receive a set of facts a week prior to their round. The first information, the ‘general facts’, which is provided to both teams generally discloses matters regarding how the dispute arose and general party interests.

Meanwhile, each team also receives a set of ‘confidential facts’ regarding their client. Using these facts, competitors must identify their client’s interests and devise a strategy for the negotiation.

Each negotiation generally runs for approximately fifty minutes, and is comprised of a forty minute negotiation between the competitors, a five minute time-out that can be requested by the teams during negotiations to discuss strategy, and a self-reflection session of up to 5 minutes for each team afterwards. In the actual negotiation, both teams engage in dialogue to reach a solution in the best interests of their client. However, the criteria in the score sheet should not be read as requiring that the parties reach an agreement. In some situations, the best outcome might be no agreement at all. Thus, the judging standards focus on planning and the negotiation session. Within the selfreflection section, the teams discuss individually with the judge matters such as how they could have improved the outcome of the negotiation, potential mistakes in strategy and other relevant considerations.

Time commitment Low to moderate; usually around three hours per week (40 minutes negotiating).

Team size Each team has two members, both of whom act as solicitors.

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Conduct of the Negotiation: Stage of Proceedings

Maximum Duration

Negotiation between teams.

35 minutes *optional 5 minute strategy break, giving a combined time of 40 minutes

Self-analysis Following voluntary election or judge nomination, both teams will have five (5) minutes to privately conduct oral self-analysis presentations to the judges.

10 minutes

Determination and feedback

5 minutes

Approximate Total

55 minutes

Judges and Assessment: The judging standards recognize that there is no one ‘correct’ approach to conducting a negotiation. Instead, the strategies and techniques used will vary according to the nature of the problem, the personalities involved and other relevant factors. However, the effectiveness of a negotiation can be judged, at least in part, by its outcome.

The criteria in the score sheet is not be read as requiring that the parties reach an agreement. In some situations, the best outcome might be no agreement at all.

Thus, the judging standards focus on planning and the negotiation session.

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Judges will award each team a mark out of one hundred (100). These marks will be allocated as follows:

Stage of Proceedings

Maximum Duration

1. Negotiation planning

10 marks

2. Adaptibility

10 marks

3. Session Outcome

10 marks

4. Relationship Between Teams

10 marks

5. Exploration of interests

10 marks

6. Creativity of Options

10 marks

7. Teamwork

10 marks

8. Negotiation Ethics

10 marks

9. Communication

10 marks

10. Self-analysis

10 marks

TOTAL

100 marks

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Tips and Advice: The key to negotiating is to be aware of the interests of both parties within the negotiation, thereby allowing you to suggest resolutions which satisfy both clients.

Your speaking time is therefore not a time for making speeches- it is time set aside to persuade your opposition to accept your case over theirs'.

----- Julia Lavers, 2012 and 2013 NDSLS Competitions Director

You need to be well prepared and have given due respect to the questions posed by the facts. Your primary aim is to foster valuable communication and problem solving skills; which are essential as a lawyer. Never underestimate a watch as a useful tool for time management when addressing the issues.

----- Mark Van Der Hout, Senior Competitor, 2012

NEGOTIATION I N F O R M A TI O N

S E S S I O N

in the Moot Court, Monday March 3, from 12:30-1:30pm

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READY, SET, NEGOTIATE 20

Client Interview Competition In one sentence‌ Client interview gives you a legal rule and asks you to apply it to a given situation in the most straightforward way.

What is involved?

With only a very brief memorandum outlining the context of the meeting, the competition requires a partnership of competitors who will be required to conduct a successful client interview by adequately establishing rapport, gathering information and providing the client some preliminary advice.

With the facts provided a week before the competition, competitors have 40 minutes to conduct the interview with their client and 10 minutes to privately confer in a post-interview analysis, which should begin with a summary of the interview, state the relevant legal issues to be addressed, and move onto an explanation of the intended course of action. At this point in time the judge will also confer with the client regarding the proposed course of action.

Remember, you will not be judged on how much advice you give, but on the quality of your correspondence and teamwork.

Time commitment One of the best things about this competition is that there is very little preparation needed! You should give yourself time to read and familiarize yourself with the brief; however client interview is mainly based on how you handle the situation and react on your feet, requiring a time commitment that is low; usually around two hours a week.

Team size The competition requires a partnership of two; the NDSLS will provide you with your client.

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Conduct of the Interview: Stage of Proceedings

Maximum Duration

The initial consultation and ascertaining of the problem, followed by a proposed solution or compromise for resolving the dispute.

40 minutes

A post-consultation period of private conferral between the solicitors.

5 minutes

Judges conferral with the client

5 minutes

Adjournment and feedback

5 minutes

Approximate Total

55 minutes

Judges and Assessment: As with all consultations there is a fee schedule. For the purposes of this competition, the applicable fee schedule is that initial consultations are free, with any and all secondary consultations standing at a cost of $500 per hour.

Solicitors may discuss the fee schedule at any point during the consultation, the determination of the appropriateness of that particular point in time for doing so, resting with the judges. i.

Use of the consultation fee schedule will account for marks under “Working Atmosphere�.

22

Judges will award each competitor a score out of 100 marks, as follows:

Content

Score

1. Working Atmosphere

10 marks

2. Description of the Problem

10 marks

3. Client’s Goals and Expectations

10 marks

4. Problem Analysis

10 marks

5. Moral and Ethical Issues

10 marks

6. Alternative Courses of Action

10 marks

7. Client’s Informed Choice

10 marks

8. Effective Conclusion

10 marks

9. Teamwork

10 marks

10. Post-Interview Reflection

10 marks

TOTAL

100 marks

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Tips and Advice: The main aim of this competition is to get as complete a picture of the client’s legal issue as possible while managing their time wisely. The interviewers should keep in mind that the client may be withholding select, crucial pieces of information, and accordingly structure the session to allow plenty of time to let the client speak freely, and for you to ask discovery questions. Think about possible legal issues in considering which questions to ask, and always be on the alert for hidden facts and ethical issues relating to deceit.

----- Julia Lavers, 2013 and 2014 NDSLS Competitions Director

The best interviews are conversational in nature – there’s a back and forth quality to them, where the interviewers say something, the interviewee says something that actually addresses what the interviewers have sad, the interviewers then reply to the point that has been made out to them, the interviewee responds, so on and so forth. Remember, you are not there to be tested on how much you know about a particular subject but to develop a course of action and present reasons for thinking that.

----- Nicholas J. McBride, Letters To A Law Student, 2014

CLIENT INTERVIEW I N F O R M A T I O N S E S S I O N A PRIMER ON INTERVIEWING in the Moot Court, Tuesday March 4, from 12:30-1:30pm

24

READY, SET, PRACTICE 25

Mooting In one sentence‌ Mooting is about who has done the most impressive job of presenting their case and is THE competition for those entire aspiring barrister’s out there.

What is involved?

A moot is a simulated appeal in a superior court, based on a mock fact scenario and judgment from a lower court. No witnesses, just good old fashioned legal argument about whether or not the lower court decision was correct.

Based on the facts presented you will argue your clients position in a simulated real-life court proceeding where you will compose and submit a Memorandum of Argument in the form of written submissions and participate in oral arguments using appropriate court etiquette.

Expect to be queried and questioned by the judges as they test you to see just how well you know your facts and the cases surrounding a particular point of law.

With the competition designed to cater to all levels of experience, from beginners to senior mooters, the same problem question will be used for each round.

Mooting is an arena of gladiatorial combat for law students to test their advocacy skills.

Time commitment Moderate to significant- usually around 5-6 hours per week.

Team size Mooting is generally run in teams of two.

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Conduct of the Moot: List of Authorities 1. No later than 4pm on the day before the moot, competitors must in accordance with Rule 6, email their opponent and the Competitions Director a memoranda, detailing in appropriate form: 1. An overview of the structure of the team’s submission, 2. Major arguments of the team 3. An outline of the allotted team member speaking times 4. The list, five (5) being the maximum, of the authorities on which counsel rely.

The moot will proceed as follows:

Stage of Proceedings

Maximum Duration

Submissions of senior counsel for the appellant

13 minutes

Submissions of junior counsel for the appellant

13 minutes

Submissions of senior counsel for the respondent

13 minutes

Submissions of junior counsel for the respondent

13 minutes

Adjournment and Feedback

8 minutes

Approximate Total

1 hour

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NOTE: 1. Counsel is required to provide all copies of all authorities referred to in their List of Authorities to the judge(s).

2. During the moot, counsel may not refer in detail to authorities not appearing on their List of Authorities or that of their opponent.

3. Counsel may not provide to the court any documents other than their List of Authorities and copies of their authorities.

Judges and Assessment: Judges will award each competitor a score out of 100 marks, as follows:

Content

Score

Organisation of Presentation

15 marks

Development of Argument

25 marks

Questions from the Bench

25 marks

Speaking Ability and Delivery

25 marks

Written Submissions

10 marks

TOTAL

100 marks

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Tips and Advice: There is a big difference between knowing something in theory and being able to apply it in practice. Mooting is about persuading other people to agree with a fixed position that you have adopted by making rational arguments in favor of that position. You will moot most effectively if you attend to issues which are unclear in the judge's mind, so treat questions with respect. Remember, mooting is a verbal reasoning test and the best way of positioning yourself to get to where you want to go in what is an increasingly competitive area.

----- Julia Lavers, 2013 and 2014 NDSLS Competitions Director

Be prepared to discuss and reference the law to support your argument. The judges will want to know what the law is; not what your personal opinion is. Avoid sentences that begin, "I believe" or "I feel." In some cases, judges might ask your personal opinion. If so, give it and concurrently try to think of what legal aspect they are asking you to identify. They are trying to be helpful.

----- Richard Perrignon, School of Law lecturer, University of Notre Dame

MOOTING WORKSHOP at a time and date to be advised.

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READY, SET, ADVOCATE 30

Paper Presentation In one sentence‌ If you are someone who is interested in lots of different aspects of law, then the flexibility to write and present about any legal topic you are interested in, makes Paper Presentation the competition for you.

What is involved?

The paper presentation competition helps you build up both your written and oral communication skills in a legal context. Two components are involved: a written paper on a legal issue and a presentation of that paper to an audience and a panel of judges.

Competitors are required to submit a paper of 3000-5000 words in length- this does not need to be written specifically for the competition, and can be a modified essay from an assessment. As with all tertiary papers, the word limit is exclusive of the bibliography, footnotes, titles and subtitles. However the use of any and all explanatory footnotes does count towards the word limit. In terms of referencing, the paper is to conform to the most current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.

The oral presentation is limited to 15 minutes; the primary aim is to communicate the paper’s arguments in a logical and succinct manner. There will be no questions from the bench during the presentation; however, there will be a ten minute questioning session with the judges at the conclusion of the presentation. Students may opt to utilize a whiteboard, overhead projector or a customized power point to assist or supplement their presentation.

Time commitment Moderate; depends on whether you are writing a paper specifically for this competition.

Team size One person.

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Conduct of the Competition: Culminating in a score out of forty (40), the three essays which receive the highest written mark will proceed to the final.

The individuals who proceed to the final make an oral presentation of their paper. This presentation is further awarded a mark out of sixty (60). This score is then combined with the original score out of forty (40) awarded to the paper itself, giving a score out of one hundred (100).

Judges and Assessment: Judges will award each team a mark out of one hundred (100). These marks will be allocated as follows: Written Paper Factors 

Challenging or difficult subject of interest or importance



Clear definition and logical structure of ideas



Analysis defines and engages with a sound conceptual, analytical and theoretical



Framework



Argument is focussed and well-developed throughout



Independent, original and insightful treatment of all aspects of topic



Identifies and engages with all relevant aspects of topic and includes appropriate



Comparative references and insight



Critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources



Argument is reasoned, persuasive and supported by appropriate evidence



Expression, style and presentation are excellent



Consistent referencing, adhering to the Australian Guide to Legal Citation



Correct grammar, spelling and punctuation throughout.

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Oral Presentation Factors 

Clear, concise, confident, articulate, elegant expression



Clear structure and organisation, logical progression and flow



Communicates ideas naturally and easily



Excellent variation in tone, pace and volume



Effective and intelligent use of visual aids



Appropriate use of stance, expression, gesture and humour



Engages with audience through excellent manner and style of presentation



Conveys sincerity and enthusiasm, stimulating the audience’s interest



Mastery of subject matter



Insightful appreciation of legal and policy aspects



Detailed understanding of issues and scholarship



Direct and focused response to questions

Tips and Advice: See the big in the issue but keep things simple.

----- Julia Lavers, 2013 and 2014 NDSLS Competitions Director

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READY, SET, COMMUNICATE 34

Intervarsity Competitions External competitions are available to most experienced competitors or senior year students. These competitions offer the chance for students to travel, meet and socialize with likeminded students from Australia and the world, and moreover to compete at the national level.

Participation in internal competitions will be highly beneficial for students’ application for external competitions. The following external competitions are available to students:

Inaugural King & Wood Mallesons Private Law Moot Where: When: Team size: Registrations:

Sydney at the University of New South Wales 2 to 4 May 2014.

One team of up to four people March 14 at 5 pm.

This year's problem will focus on the law of trusts and some issues in equity. The question will be framed at a level of difficulty appropriate for students in the latter stage of their degree, particularly those who are considering entering prestigious international mooting competitions such as the Jessup International Law Moot and the Vis Commercial Arbitration Moot. It is recommended that students who have completed courses in equity or in trusts apply.

Further information about the competition, including the problem question, will be released shortly.

NSW Young Lawyers SCLSS Intervarsity Negotiation Competition Where: When: Team size:

UTS, Haymarket Campus Building 5, Block C May Two teams of two to three people

The goal for each team is to negotiate an outcome that meets their client’s goals, without sacrificing too much in return. Teams were expected to reach a win-win situation wherever possible, using the information provided to them. At the end of the two preliminary rounds, each team’s score is totaled and their win/loss ratio calculated. The two teams that have the highest win-loss ratios in their pools progress to the Grand Final.

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Baker & McKenzie National Women's Moot Where: When: Team size:

Sydney University, Sydney University Law School July One team of three members

This is a highly prestigious law competition. It is aimed at addressing the equity issues facing women at the bar and is the only national moot in which all competitors must be female. It also provides an opportunity for female law students to gain advocacy experience and network with eminent legal practitioners who will judge the moots.

AAT National Mooting Competition Where: When: Team size: Registrations:

Preliminary rounds in the ACT August Two to three people 2 June 2014 - 30 June 2014

The fact scenarios involve a variety of administrative law areas including social security, workers' compensation, immigration and citizenship etc. The competition offers a great opportunity for competitors to expand their knowledge regarding Tribunal practice and procedure.

Hon. Michael Kirby Contract Law Moot Competition Where: When: Team size:

College of Law and Justice, Victoria University, Melbourne 29 September – 2 October Four people, up to three teams

The competition stimulates dispute resolution proceedings for a contractual law dispute. It consists of the preparation of a written memorandum by the claimant, a memorandum by the respondent and oral hearings. Participants develop and improve their practical legal skills as well as their comprehension and retention of the substantive contract law relevant to the problem.

Best of the Boutiques Intervarsity Negotiation Competition Where: When: Team size:

Southern Cross University, Gold Coast October Two people

This is a highly prestigious law competition. The best of the best hone their negotiating skills in on one another in a knock out competition.

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Contact Us For Registrations and Enquiries, please email competitions@ndsls.org or visit http://ndsls.org

Competitions Director Julia Lavers competitions@ndsls.org

Competitions Coordinators Sabrina Mobbs Year2rep@ndsls.org

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Copyright Notre Dame Society Law Society Competitions Guide 2014 Š 2014. All rights reserved. The Notre Dame Sydney Law Society.

All content contained within this publication is protected by copyright. Content may be disseminated for personal, educational or non-commercial purposes only and sources must be accurately cited.

Disclaimer The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editors or the Notre Dame Sydney Law Society. The Notre Dame Sydney Law Society makes no guarantee as to the accuracy or correctness of any of the content in this publication. This publication is distributed free of charge on the understanding that the authors, editors and any persons related to in this publication are not responsible for the results of their actions or omissions arising out or in connection with any of the contents in this publication.

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