Like every student in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa, I received an email about possibly applying for moots. After some hesitation, I finally decided to enter the selection process in September 2022. One simple selection that ended up being a rewarding months-long adventure. For those who are hesitating: Push on and do it! Moots are a unique chance to get practical law experience.
I was lucky enough to be chosen for the Michel Bastarache Moot Court Competition, specializing in language rights, which took place this March. That’s when the real moot experience started. Four of us represented the University of Ottawa, divided into two teams (two appellants and two respondents). New encounters turned into friendships with people who could count on each other. Of course, we also were lucky to have a professor, François Larocque, who supported us and was always ready to answer our questions. After many months’ work researching and writing, we presented our factum. It was time to begin preparing our oral argument. We had several meetings with the professor to help us make a good, convincing argument and be ready to answer all possible questions from the moot judges.
The months-long marathon was coming to a close. After much anticipation and doubt, the weekend of the moot had finally arrived. Friday morning, the participants met at the first event, which took place this year at the Rideau Club, in the company of many invited guests, including the Honorable Justice O’Bonsawin of the Supreme Court. A very good networking opportunity. Then, it was time to rehearse one last time before the round of arguments. When it was our turn, we’d clearly have to be confident in our skills. We were making our arguments in front of three lawyers acting as judges. We had many questions that we obviously had to do our best to answer, even if sometimes they were questions we hadn’t anticipated. After the first round, we received Professor Laroque’s comments, to make our adjustments for the second round, which was taking place the next morning. After this second round on Saturday, we took part in an event organized by Juris Power, a lunch with the lawyers who had served as judges as well as the other moot participants. It was a good opportunity to talk and receive more comments on our performance. They also announced the choice of finalists there.
My teammate and I managed to make the final, which was scheduled for the next morning. It was special, because we were going to make our arguments before the Honorable Sébastien Grammond, Constance Hunt and Paul Rouleau. A unique, memorable experience. The final was also open to the public, so it was an opportunity to make our arguments before more people. We were excited when we finished our presentation. It’s a good personal challenge that I hope anyone can experience. It wasn’t just an opportunity to develop skills as a future lawyer, but also a unique experience that let me make connections with many people in law.
It’s true that moots can seem intimidating and difficult. However, I recommend them because it’s the perfect time during our studies to take on new challenges. Since the end of the moot, I’ve wanted to start all over and argue my next case.
I’d like to thank Professor Larocque, who gave us valuable support and advice throughout the moot.