2024 Upper Year Moots

Each year, students from UVic Law compete in simulated legal proceedings that allow them to develop their advocacy skills and legal reasoning in a competitive setting. In 2024, UVic teams excelled in a variety of moots, showcasing their expertise in legal research, oral skills, and critical thinking on national and international stages.

Congratulations to all participants and thank you to all mentors, coaches and sponsors who make these moots possible!

Gale Cup Moot

Feb. 9-10, Toronto

Cat Blanchet, Alexandra Calbery, Madison McDonald, Eric Shapiro and Monica Wong made it to the final round of this year’s Gale Cup, placing fourth out of 19 law schools that participated. Cat and Eric received a glowing compliment from former Justice Gage of the Ontario Court who told them that they “restored his faith” in the repute of advocacy in Canadian courts. In the finals, Madison McDonald and Monica Wong sparred with UAlberta before Justice Côté of the Supreme Court of Canada, Justice Abrioux of the BC Court of Appeal, and Associate Chief Justice Fairburn of the Court of Appeal for Ontario.

The team was mentored by coaches Clare Jennings and Rebecca Watmough, with help from Lara Vizsolyi, who each provided invaluable feedback and support.

Thank you to Borden Ladner Gervais LLP for their sponsorship!

 

The McIntyre Cup

Feb. 9-10, Edmonton

Duncan Chiu, Catherine Dines, Anna Pachal, and Alana Ward participated in what’s also known as the Western Canada Trial Competition under the guidance of Victoria defence lawyers Roberto Alberto and Schuyler Roy.

“The trial was a challenge, and it tested not only our preparedness, but our ability to remain calm and poised under immense pressure. We had learned through our weekend mock trials to think quickly on our feet and respond to a judge’s or witness’ curve balls – a skill we used often in the trial.”

Competing against UBC, the trial tested the team’s preparedness and ability to remain calm under pressure. Using lessons learned during practice helped the team to bring home the McIntyre Cup, while Anna Pachal was awarded the prize for best cross examination.

Thank you to the Trial Lawyers Association of BC for their sponsorship!

 

BC Law Schools Competitive Moot

Feb. 10, Vancouver

Kaitlyn Richards, Pahul Gupta, Avery, Ben Barnes and Mariyam Ali competed against UBC and TRU, arguing before sitting judges of the BC superior courts. The team came second, with Pahul and Kaitlyn receiving the Best Factum award, Avery winning Best Oralist in Division 1, and Pahul winning Best Oralist in Division 2. The team was coached by Sean Finn, JA Pankiw-Petty and Jarrett Plonka.

“We have all learned so much through the process and all agree that this is one of the highlights of our law school careers thus far.”

Thank you to CLEBC for their sponsorship!

 

Harold G. Fox Intellectual Property Moot

February 23-24, Toronto

This year’s UVic team comprised of Alessandro Molnar, Kaylea Kray-Domingo, Lucas Kam and Suman Singh. Appellants Alessandro and Kaylea were praised by judges, who said that their submissions raised important concepts, and that their points were very persuasive. For the respondents, the judges highlighted the team’s professional demeanour and high familiarity with the substantive topic of trademark law.

The team was mentored by coaches Bob Howell, Michael Lawless, and Clint Lee as well as researcher Jeenat Gill.

 

The Wilson Moot

Feb. 23-24, Toronto

Representing UVic at The Wilson Moot, Liam Edmondstone, Brenna Krause, Sara Sebti, Tanner Lorenson placed third overall out of the 13 schools present. Tanner also placed first as top oralist, winning the Peter W. Hogg Award. The team credits the experience with helping them develop the confidence to appear in Chambers and speak on issues that promote their shared vision of a just future. 

“We are so grateful to our incredible coaches Alandra Harlingten and Kaitlyn Chewka, who are the reason why we were able to impress teams from across Canada. Their unwavering support, legal acumen, and generosity cannot be overstated. We will each carry their insight and wisdom into our careers as litigators.

 

Willms & Shier Environmental Law Moot

February 24, Toronto

“I eagerly await the next time I get to step foot in a courtroom, and I am confident that the lessons I learned through this experience will serve me through articles and beyond!” – Megan Walwyn

Megan Walwyn, Jack Welsh, and Kate Turner competed in the Environmental Law Moot at the Federal Court in Toronto, an experience the three describe as a highlight of their time at UVic Law. Amid tough competition, the team made it to the semi-final match and Megan Walwyn received a Distinguished Oralist award. The trio were coached by David Wu and Caitlin Ohama-Darcus.

 

Canadian Client Consultation Competition

March 11-12, Windsor

Canadian Consultation Competition simulates a law office consultation in which two law students, acting as lawyers, are presented with a client matter. Adaezejeso Ezeaku and Ariana Agouridis competed together as Team B and wowed the judges with how fast they were able to build rapport with a client and the practical solutions that they provided. Kate Korte and Megan Pratt competed together as Team E, taking home the win and an invitation to compete in the International Competition in Lublin, Poland.

The teams were mentored by Nicholas Picard, from Velletta Pedersen Christie Lawyers; Steve Perks, retired Director of the Law Centre; and Sheila Simpson, BC Crown Counsel.

 

The Sopinka Cup

March 15-16, Ottawa

“We know that the skills and experience that we have acquired through this process, largely due to the devotion of our coaches, will pay dividends into our legal careers for years to come. None of us can imagine going into our articling positions or summer jobs without the invaluable lessons we have learned through our mooting experience.”

As the winning team in the McIntyre Cup competition, Anna Pachal and Alana Ward advanced to The Sopinka Cup, where they continued to be mentored by their dedicated coaches Roberto Alberto and Schuyler Roy. While the team was disappointed to not win the competition, they all see the mooting as an invaluable experience that they could not have imagines going into their summer jobs or articling positions without.  

 

International Client Consultation Competition

April 10-14, Poland

The 2024 Brown Mosten International Client Consultation Competition, hosted jointly by Poland and Ukraine, was held at John Paul II Catholic University in Lublin, Poland.

Following their win at the Canadian Consultation Competition, Kate Korte and Megan Pratt-Ahmad advanced to the International Competition. While the team did not advance to the finals, coaches Steve Perks, Nicholas Picard, and Sheila Simpson were particularly impressed by the team’s perseverance, compassion and teamwork!