Internal Moot Championships 2024 Workshop: Day 1

The Fundamentals

The workshop covered notable moot competitions such as the 'Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition' and the 'Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot'. Azim elaborated on the different formats and rules of these competitions, emphasising the specific qualifications required of mooters and the necessity for memorials in some cases.

To ensure everyone knew what to expect, advice was given a detailed rundown of the rules governing mooting competitions, including prohibitions on scouting, provisions for time extensions, time allocations, and scoring criteria.

The scoring system was another critical area of focus. Azim outlined how mooters are evaluated based on their knowledge of the law, ability to handle Q&A, understanding of the facts, style points and demeanor, organisation and time management. These components collectively contribute to the total score, guiding mooters in their preparation and performance.

Oral Submission Advice

Azim provided invaluable advice on oral submissions, an essential aspect of mooting, explaining that each speaker is typically allotted 20-25 minutes, divided between main submissions and rebuttals, with points scored at each stage.

He also provided crucial advice like structuring submissions with a clear introduction, substantial content, and a concise conclusion. He also emphasised greatly on how engaging effectively with judges during Q&A sessions can significantly boost a mooter's score.

What got mooters more excited about their mooting journey were the opportunities to be judged by real-life court judges, with him highlighting it as a unique feature of some moot competitions.

Among the plethora of different advice about tackling the judges, Azim offered practical tips on addressing judges, stressing the importance of preparation, thorough research, and fact-checking. He encouraged participants to practice extensively, whether by memorising speeches, presenting before peers, or seeking feedback from seniors, lecturers, or alumni.

The Simple Do's and Don'ts

With each attendee listening intently while jotting down every little golden nugget of advice they received, clear emphasis was placed on a few important but overlooked areas.

The key tips and tricks shared included maintaining eye contact, summarising points succinctly, expanding on points if time permits, and avoiding fillers like "mmms" and "ahhs", making relevant references to authorities, concluding with a summary, and including a prayer for relief were emphasised. Azim also advised speaking politely to the tribunal, engaging with opponents' arguments, and addressing points directly to save time.

After the said advice, the first day of the Internal Moot Championships 2024 Workshop concluded. Each mooter left more informed and prepared to handle the stress that comes with the competition.

It is no doubt that ABD Azim Bin ABD Razak's expert insights provided aspiring mooters with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in competitions. As they prepare for the next day's workshop, participants are well on their way to becoming confident and competent advocates.