How to get away with mooting in the Supreme Court of Victoria
“There remains barriers to be broken down, and attitudes to be shifted. Good role models are invaluable in that process as they continue to support and inspire women's aspirations to follow their lead. They keep the doors open. By reflecting on those who have gone before we are reminded of just how far we have come, and the exceptional things women in power can achieve.”
These words of former Professor the Honourable Marilyn Warren AC KC, patron of the Victorian Women Lawyers’ (VWL) Warren Moot, continue to resonate with young women lawyers across Victoria and Monash Law.
Two Monash Law teams had the privilege of competing in the Warren Moot this year. The competition provides the opportunity for participants to practice their advocacy skills and encourage female law students and junior lawyers to pursue a career at the Bar.
Our Monash team named How to Get Away with Mooting, composed of Maiysha Moin, Catalina Quintero and Zoe Binns, was thrilled to progress to the Grand Final of the Warren Moot which was held in the Banco Court of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Each round of the Warren Moot spanned a different area of law, namely criminal, commercial, employment and administrative. The range of legal issues required excellent research skills and quick command of complex legislation, case law and recent reforms. For example, the Semi Final moot problem involved the recent reforms to the classification of employee and independent contractors.
Find out more about mooting with Monash Law
The Four Rounds of the Warren Moot
The first two rounds were held at VWL’s sponsor firm, Maddocks. Round 1 was adjudicated by Justice Elizabeth Bennett, a judge on the Federal Court of Australia.
Round 2 was adjudicated by Judicial Registrar Domenico Conidi of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
The Semi Final was adjudicated by Commissioner Ben Redford of the Fair Work Commission.
The Grand Final was adjudicated by Professor the Honourable Marilyn Warren AC KC and Justice James Elliott of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Professor the Honourable Marilyn Warren AC KC, William Lye OAM KC (Monash Moot Coach) and the How to Get Away with Mooting team.
The Grand Final moot problem related to a judicial review in the Victorian common law jurisdiction about a licence for the cultivation and retail of medical cannabis. Although our team had recently studied administrative law at Monash Law, the problem question required us to research the judicial review process in Victoria and rely on cases at common law to substantiate our defence. As the Defendant, we were dealt a tough hand of cards but we applied our perseverance, honed legal research skills and creative advocacy to offer a strong and persuasive defence.
Our team was the Runner Up in the Grand Final and we thoroughly enjoyed the thrill, adrenaline and intellectual rigour of the moot. Thank you to Justice Warren and Justice Elliott for their adjudication and constructive feedback. We enjoyed speaking with Justice Warren after the moot about her experience studying at Monash University and hearing her advice about women joining the Bar.
Grand finalists in the Victorian Women Lawyers’ Warren Moot.
From Fear to the Finals
Before the VWL Moot and the Mooting and Advocacy class, our team had limited experience in mooting. We all recall our first day in William Lye's class and how we were all very nervous. Now, we reminisce on how far we’ve come - from our early days shaking before the microphone to standing in the Supreme Court for the VWL Grand Final. An immense thank you to William for his excellent mentorship and unwavering support. We also extend our thanks to our buddy and mentor, Jennifer Madgwick, who offered thoughtful feedback and cheered us on throughout the competition.
This life-changing opportunity for growth and development would not have been possible without Monash Law and the Victorian Women’s Lawyers. Thank you for facilitating these opportunities for young women to develop their advocacy skills, build connections and aspire for a career at the Bar.
We hope to follow the footsteps of the great women before us, especially Professor the Honourable Marilyn Warren AC KC, as we pursue the next chapter of our legal education and careers.