L-R: Jenna Long, Sara-Jane Dempsey, Jacob Orley and Olivia Caubo.
Held at Victoria University in Melbourne, the Michael Kirby Contract Law Moot is one of the nation's most esteemed legal competitions. This year, it attracted 21 teams from a majority of law schools across Australia.
Representing Edith Cowan University's (ECU) School of Business and Law (SBL) was Sara-Jane Dempsey (team captain), Jacob Orley, Jenna Long and Olivia Caubo, who were awarded the Spirit of the Michael Kirby Contract Law Moot Award.
The competition provided an invaluable opportunity for aspiring legal professionals to hone their advocacy skills and tackle complex areas of contract law.
The moot problem — an intricate fictional scenario — spanned a daunting 18 pages, challenging participants to demonstrate their legal acumen.
Each team engaged in four general rounds, which were meticulously judged by seasoned professionals from the legal field including Senior Counsel, barristers, and experienced practitioners.
"All the participants were put through their paces in the course of the moots — all came out almost unrecognisably stronger, more confident, and far better experienced to face the world." SBL Lecturer Ken Yin said.
The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, a retired High Court Justice, is known for his sharp intellect, outstanding advocacy skills, unwavering courage, and selfless integrity in championing just causes.
Throughout the competition, judges repeatedly commended Team ECU for the quality of their advocacy and the professionalism they displayed. Their commitment to courtesy and sportsmanship in the competition showcased the attributes associated with Kirby J.
Team ECU's dedication extended beyond the courtroom, as they actively participated in social gatherings, seizing the opportunity to expand their professional networks and learn from seasoned practitioners. Their well-rounded approach to the competition was duly noted and appreciated.
SBL Executive Dean, Professor Maryam Omari, said the exceptional result was a testament to the School's highly engaged and committed students.
"Our students consistently demonstrate remarkable dedication and integrity in their academic pursuits, and they exemplify the values and standard that SBL upholds," she said.
"This achievement underscores the top calibre of individuals who represent our School and the transformative educational experiences we offer at SBL."
