Mooting program

A moot court is the simulation of legal arguments before a judge, tribunal or arbitral body on a hypothetical legal case. Judges are allowed to interrupt legal arguments and ask any questions they think might be pertinent to resolving the legal issue before them.

Mooting is a great way for law students to enhance their resume, research skills and legal knowledge, as well as build valuable soft skills such as problem solving, teamwork, advocacy and communication. Students also build their future professional network with fellow students and members of the legal profession. Participation in mooting is well-regarded by employers.

We encourage our law students to register for the following moots supported by Deakin Law School.

Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot

The Vis Moot is the largest moot in the world for international trade law.

A rigorous, but highly rewarding endeavour, participation in this moot will have a positive impact on your success at law school and on your career as a graduate. Participation in this moot earns one unit credit and a scholarship towards travel should that be permitted. The moot attracts over 300 teams from around the world. Deakin is one of only four institutions to have competed in the moot every year since inception.

Registrations for the 2025 Vis Moot are expected to open in August 2024.

Alfred Deakin International Commercial Arbitration Moot

The Alfred Deakin International Commercial Arbitration Moot is Deakin Law School’s own moot, held in September each year with the support of Allens Linklaters and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. This competition is based on International Commercial Arbitration, offering an excellent opportunity to practise ahead of selections for the Vis Moot, which is based on the same type of law. Competitors sign up from around Australia and overseas, and the competition is run online.

Registrations open on Monday, 3 June 2024. Please check back for registration link closer to that time.

VWL Warren Moot

Please note that this is only available to female mooters (or those who identify as female).

The Warren Moot offers up to 16 teams of four the opportunity to appear before senior members of the Victorian judiciary. There is no other moot like this one. Specifically designed to encourage women to test their advocacy skills and consider a career at the Bar, the Warren Moot is endorsed by the Honourable Marilyn Warren AC QC, Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria and proudly sponsored by Maddocks.

The semi-finals and grand final are held at the Supreme Court of Victoria with an opportunity for friends and family to observe. Participants will be invited to a launch of the Warren Moot in September at Maddocks and hear from the Honourable Marilyn Warren AC QC and the Honourable Justice Zammit.

Applications have now closed.

Sir Harry Gibbs Constitutional Law Moot Competition

A highly-regarded mooting competition that brings together top constitutional mooters from around Australia. The moot will take place in mid-September with the Grand Final hosted at the High Court in Melbourne. The competition is usually held face-to-face at Melbourne University or online if COVID rules do not permit this.

Applications have now closed.

Animal Law Moot

Teams from around Australia and New Zealand compete in this moot based on Animal Rights Law and Animal Welfare Law, which is supported by Voiceless. The competition takes place in mid-September and is currently held online.

Applications have now closed.

If you are a Deakin Law School alumnus or a member of the legal profession who would like to support Deakin Law School’s Mooting Program through coaching or judging, please contact our Partnerships Coordinator by email to express your interest.

Our students are highly appreciative of your mentorship and guidance during their degree and as they prepare to enter the workforce.