The Moot Court Program- Attachment Internship

The First Mooting Experience

“If it pleases the Court, My Lords and My Lady, …”

Introduction

1 Every law student knows what mooting is all about; a practice for the law students to taste the real court before being admitted to the Bar, a chance at “real” deal.

1.1 Sadly not all law students will be given this opportunity.

1.2 For myself, I would have liked to try mooting as a freshman, yet, I have not found the courage to be one of the mooters.

Preliminary Feelings

2 When Mr Alex Chang suggested to hold an In House Mooting Competition, I knew it would not be easy, but I firmly believe that the experience of mooting will prepare me in my pursuit of my dream of appearing in court. This is a special opportunity not to be missed.

Preparation

3 This In House Moot Competition is unlike the other moot competitions held in the colleges. We were provided with a real file with all the court documents, the Statements of Claim, the Statement of Defence and Affidavits filed by the parties.

3.1 The attachment pupils/ interns were assigned to a two-counsel team representing the Plaintiffs and Defendants.

3.2 We have to find out the issues and build our own arguments, relevant authorities to support our case. To assist us the firm provided examples of written submissions to draft our own arguments and of course rebuttals.

3.3 Tension was high, the experience ecstatic.

The Hearing and Preliminary Issue

4 As the lead counsel for the Defendants, my stomach was full of butterflies on D day. According to Murphy’s Law as our “case” was not in our favour.

4.1 To argue fearlessly for our ‘clients’ the Defence successfully raised a preliminary issue in the delay of the filing of the application by the Plaintiffs. Nothing could describe our joy when the Plaintiffs’ counsel prayed for a short recess to confer with her junior on our preliminary issue.

4.2 We have also successfully raised the issues of ‘fact in dispute’. At the end of the day in the face of adversity as aforesaid, I am satisfied as we tried our best.

Post-mooting Feelings

5 Mooting has been something that I was longing to try.

5.1 It is my pleasure to have the chance given by Alex Chang & Co to experience mooting during my attachment.

5.2 Throughout the preparation, we were given the full exposure of an advocate’s life. I believe we are the fortunate few to have this eye opening and unique experience.

Much obliged, My Lords and My Lady.