Competitions

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Competitions –

About Competitions

The Competitions portfolio at the RMIT Law Students’ Society is dedicated to helping students develop their legal skills through practical and engaging competition opportunities. From mooting and negotiation to client interviewing and other advocacy-based events, the portfolio gives students the chance to apply their knowledge, strengthen their confidence, and grow as emerging legal professionals.

Types of Competitions

Internal Competitions

RMIT LSS energises practical and academic development through a suite of dynamic internal competitions.

Hone bargaining and client-management skills in the Negotiation Competition; sharpen courtroom presence and teamwork in the Criminal Law Moot; and tackle commercial dispute strategy in specialist moots and arbitrations such as the Contract Law Moot.

The Commercial Negotiation Competition delivers hands-on workshops in negotiation strategy and settlement tactics, while the McPherson’s Papers Essay Competition pushes legal research and writing to publication-worthy standards — with winners proudly published.

External Competitions

RMIT Law Students’ Society fields teams in leading national and international moots, turning advocacy, research, and legal reasoning into practice. From the global public law focus of the Jessup Moot to the precision of the Michael Kirby Contract Law Moot, students refine their written and oral advocacy while tackling complex legal issues. Through social justice competitions and partnerships with Victorian law societies, LSS also champions access to justice and community advocacy. With coaching, mentorship, and funding support, mooting offers high-level training, professional connections, and a pathway to recognition. Build your craft and advocate for justice.

Upcoming Internal Competitions

Junior Criminal Law Moot

The RMIT LSS Junior Criminal Law Moot is a great chance for early law students to dive into mooting, sharpen advocacy skills, and tackle real criminal law issues in a competitive setting. This year’s problem focuses on contemporary Victorian youth crime, making it a timely and exciting opportunity to engage with a live legal debate.

It is especially worth entering because students will build confidence, improve their research and oral advocacy, and connect with peers, judges, and legal professionals. With the moot held at the Old Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 25–26 July 2026, it also offers a memorable and high-impact experience.

Team registration has officially closed.

Dates:

Problem & Rule release: 12 June 2026
Final Date for Clarification requests: 30 June 2026
Written Memorandums Due: 12 July 2026
Opening Ceremony: 24 July 2026 (opening ceremony - Time TBC)
General Rounds: 24 July 2026
Elimination rounds (QF, SF & GF): 25 July 2026
Awards Ceremony: 26 July 2026

Junior Criminal Moot Problem 2026: The King v Marino

Junior Criminal Law Moot Rules 2026

Law Students Debate Evening

Join us on 31 July 2026 for an evening bringing together law students for lively debate and discussion on contentious and contemporary topics. This event provides an excellent platform for developing persuasive argumentation skills in a collegial environment.

Dates: 31 July 2026

Respond to the EOI form to have your say about the debate topic!

McPherson’s Papers Essay Competition

The McPherson’s Papers Competition is now open, giving current LLB and JD students an exciting chance to showcase their legal thinking in a real, externally judged competition. Whether you want to polish an essay you have already written or build a fresh argument from the ground up, there is a stream designed for you, and the open stream means your work is judged on its own merits.

Students should absolutely submit because the rewards go beyond the prize money of up to $300 for first place. It is a valuable way to strengthen your CV, stand out in clerkship and graduate applications, and receive detailed feedback that sharpens your research, argument, and AGLC4 skills for law school and beyond.

Dates: