HOW SPEED MOOTING HELPED ME DEVELOP MY ADVOCACY

HOW SPEED MOOTING HELPED ME DEVELOP MY ADVOCACY

Hello, to everyone reading this, I have recently taken part in the Michael Corkery QC mooting competition as a representative of Manchester Metropolitan University.

From being a Speed Mooting Brand Ambassador, taking part in the Advocacy Club, competitions and from both Edge Hill University and Manchester Metropolitan University I have learnt five key skills which I employed during the Michael Corkery Moot.

Confidence

From taking part in the in the Plea in mitigation competition and the advocacy club, my confidence has developed, not only as someone took part in these experiences, but as an ambassador. From taking part in the Plea in Mitigation, I developed confidence in speaking via an electronic device. Equally, by taking part in the Advocacy Club debating session, I developed confidence in being able to speak to other members of the Speed Mooting ambassadors’ team and other member of the Speed Mooting community. In addition to the debate, we were able to discuss a variety of things ranging from the development of technology to different university experiences.

Time management

The Plea in Mitigation bundle was sent the night before at 6:00 PM. This was done to mimic real life proceedings for criminal barristers. This was incredibly helpful because there was a limited amount of time. We had to make sure that the work had to be completed to a competent standard under a time pressure. This allowed for development of time management, as, to advocate properly, you have to have a command of the relevant information for the case. This was particularly helpful here because as well as preparing for this competition, I am completing my Bar Course, working part-time and volunteering.

Structure

The Plea in Mitigation requires a very specific structure. Having to employ that structure in that instance it has meant the I am now able to employ specific structures with ease in other situations. For this reason, I structure moots in a very specific way which is vastly different to how I approach other forms of advocacy. I employed this specific structure in the Michael Corkery QC Moot, which I felt was beneficial as I was able to remain calm in a stressful environment.

Research

For the Advocacy Club, I had to research in order to debate whether or not summer or winter was better. This required a variety of research methods using different sources. Prior to completing this research, I would have only used anecdotes rather than facts. The use of facts was very beneficial because it allowed me to demonstrate the importance of more niche points, such as the importance of winter sports. From conducting this research, it has allowed me to develop more analytical research skills for topic areas that are outside of law. This in turn has meant that my analytical research skills for law have become better.

Professionalism

In taking part in any Speed Mooting, activity whether that's the Advocacy Club, speaking with John and Hayley, a plea in mitigation, or even when engaging with other ambassadors, it is very important to always be professional. Appearances and impressions matter, so as much as possible, my advice is to always employ professionalism and be personable. It is extremely important to avoid being too informal in a professional environment, but equally, ensure you convey your personality.

Hello, to everyone reading this, I have recently taken part in the Michael Corkery QC mooting competition as a representative of Manchester Metropolitan University.

From being a Speed Mooting Brand Ambassador, taking part in the Advocacy Club, competitions and from both Edge Hill University and Manchester Metropolitan University I have learnt five key skills which I employed during the Michael Corkery Moot.

Confidence

From taking part in the in the Plea in mitigation competition and the advocacy club, my confidence has developed, not only as someone took part in these experiences, but as an ambassador. From taking part in the Plea in Mitigation, I developed confidence in speaking via an electronic device. Equally, by taking part in the Advocacy Club debating session, I developed confidence in being able to speak to other members of the Speed Mooting ambassadors’ team and other member of the Speed Mooting community. In addition to the debate, we were able to discuss a variety of things ranging from the development of technology to different university experiences.

Time management

The Plea in Mitigation bundle was sent the night before at 6:00 PM. This was done to mimic real life proceedings for criminal barristers. This was incredibly helpful because there was a limited amount of time. We had to make sure that the work had to be completed to a competent standard under a time pressure. This allowed for development of time management, as, to advocate properly, you have to have a command of the relevant information for the case. This was particularly helpful here because as well as preparing for this competition, I am completing my Bar Course, working part-time and volunteering.

Structure

The Plea in Mitigation requires a very specific structure. Having to employ that structure in that instance it has meant the I am now able to employ specific structures with ease in other situations. For this reason, I structure moots in a very specific way which is vastly different to how I approach other forms of advocacy. I employed this specific structure in the Michael Corkery QC Moot, which I felt was beneficial as I was able to remain calm in a stressful environment.

Research

For the Advocacy Club, I had to research in order to debate whether or not summer or winter was better. This required a variety of research methods using different sources. Prior to completing this research, I would have only used anecdotes rather than facts. The use of facts was very beneficial because it allowed me to demonstrate the importance of more niche points, such as the importance of winter sports. From conducting this research, it has allowed me to develop more analytical research skills for topic areas that are outside of law. This in turn has meant that my analytical research skills for law have become better.

Professionalism

In taking part in any Speed Mooting, activity whether that's the Advocacy Club, speaking with John and Hayley, a plea in mitigation, or even when engaging with other ambassadors, it is very important to always be professional. Appearances and impressions matter, so as much as possible, my advice is to always employ professionalism and be personable. It is extremely important to avoid being too informal in a professional environment, but equally, ensure you convey your personality.