MOOTER TO LAWYER

For those thinking about a career in the law, there are real advantages if you have experience of mooting at university. To be a successful mooter requires a very similar skill set to that needed by successful lawyers.

Mooters need to be able to carry out legal research within tight deadlines, and deliver results that are practically focused rather than in a purely academic form. Research for essays and dissertations differs from that for mooting –  the mooter has to find cases to support an argument, and then must follow those cases through logically, bearing in mind the rules of precedence, to build up a complete picture of the possible legal arguments. Lawyers, whether court based or not, are frequently asked to give legal opinions within tight timescales by clients who expect clear and succinct advice which takes into account any relevant legal developments.

Mooters develop excellent skills in public speaking. This is the part of mooting which can be hardest for the novice mooter but it is amazing how much easier it gets after a couple of goes. Lawyers are regularly expected to give oral presentations, whether as advocates before a judge, or as part of a client seminar.

Mooters need to learn to assimilate facts quickly, and to think on their feet. When the judge fires off a question the mooter must address it, even if that means re-ordering the rest of the speech and arguments. The respondents in a moot must quickly develop arguments in response to the appellants, reacting to the parts of cases that the appellants have referred to. Lawyers need to be able to quickly digest documents, whether in a client meeting, or as part of the last minute preparation the night before a trial. Whether in court or in a meeting, the lawyer must develop a response quickly to whatever arguments are thrown at them.

Mooting is not just for potential lawyers, but for those thinking of a legal career it is well worth a look, and something that is recognised as very valuable by legal recruiters. As well as being a great way to test your skills, mooting is also an opportunity to improve your career prospects.

ABHISHEK SINGLA ~ Mooter to Lawyer ~