Mooting

A moot is a mock trial of a legal issue. Mooting provides students with the opportunity to argue a fictional case as if representing a client.

Three law students take part in mooting.
Off

With our very own Moot Court, the School of Law takes part in national and international competitions, allowing students to meet members of the judiciary as well as giving students the chance to win mini-pupillages. Mooting events are organised by the committee of the Bar Division of Ed Bram, assisted by the Director of mooting.

Mooting experience is essential for any student considering a career as a barrister. It is also really useful for anyone considering a career as a solicitor or indeed any career which will involve public speaking!

A range of internal and external events are organised each year:

Internal events
  • 'give it a go' sessions and Novice moot for beginners
  • Plea in mitigation and Bail application competitions
  • the Internal moot
  • Training sessions
External events

External events vary each year. Competitions are selected by the committee of the Bar Division of Ed Bram. Competitions students participate in regularly include

  • Landmark Chambers Property Moot Competition
  • Oxford University Press mooting competition
  • National Law Student Triathalon at the University of Kent
  • The Supreme Court Moot competition
International mooting

International mooting opportunities may arise. The School of Law encourages and supports entry into International competitions.

Benefits of mooting

Mooting allows students to develop skills and confidence in

  • Presenting a legal argument in a court setting
  • Advocacy and public speaking
  • Teamwork
  • Organisation
  • Assimilating facts into succinct points and arguments
  • Putting legal issues into context
  • Legal writing and legal research
  • Critical analysis

Skills gained through mooting can help to improve overall understanding and knowledge of certain areas of law - useful for academic study. Mooting is a key legal skill, but one that's transferable to many other professions outside of the traditional legal career path. 

Two pairs of students competing in a mock trial within the Moot Court

Getting involved

Mooting is open to all University of Sheffield UG and PG students.

Internal competitions are open to all, regardless of whether students are members of The Edward Bramley Law Society or not.

To participate in external competitions students must be members of The Edward Bramley Law Society.