Upcoming Competitions

Internal Competitions

McPherson’s Papers Essay Competition 2026

Want to put your legal research and writing skills to the test? The RMIT Law Students’ Society McPherson’s Papers Competition 2026 is your opportunity to tackle contemporary legal issues, receive recognition from external assessors, and compete for cash prizes of up to $300. Whether you're refining a high-distinction assignment or crafting an original argument from scratch, the competition offers a valuable platform to strengthen your CV, develop your advocacy skills, and showcase your legal thinking. Submissions close 20 September 2026.

Dates:

  • Submissions Open: 20 July

  • Submissions Close: 20 September

  • Awards Ceremony: 13 October

Information
2026 Rules
Submit Here

Advanced Criminal Law Moot 2026

The RMIT LSS Advanced Criminal Law Moot provided students with the opportunity to develop their advocacy skills by appearing as counsel in a simulated criminal appeal before the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Teams argued both sides of a problem involving two key legal issues, applying their knowledge of criminal law, statutory interpretation, legal research and persuasive advocacy.

Each round was judged by barristers, solicitors and academics, who provided competitors with valuable professional feedback. The competition also allowed students to strengthen their teamwork and oral advocacy skills, gain practical experience relevant to the legal profession, and network with fellow students and members of the profession. The competition was held at the Old Magistrates’ Court, RMIT City Campus, Building 20, 325–343 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.

Dates:

  • Friday 25 September 2026: Registration Form Closed

  • Monday 28 September 2026: Moot Problem, Competition Rules release.

  • Friday 23 October 2026: Written Submissions Due

  • Saturday 31 October 2026: General Rounds

  • Sunday 1 November 2026: Elimination Rounds & Awards ceremony

Venue: Old Magistrates Court RMIT Building 1/124 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000

External Competitions

Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Competition 2027

Area of law: Public international law

Organiser: International Law Students Association (ILSA)/ National Administrator

Open to: LLB and JD students

Commitment: September 2026 – February 2027

RMIT Law School is seeking expressions of interest from LLB and JD students to compete in the 2027 Philip C Jessup International Law Moot. This is an advanced-level competition centred on public international law and requires a sustained commitment from September 2026 to February 2027.

Students will work in a team of five. Team members must be available for the oral rounds and committed to undertaking research, drafting written submissions and participating in practice moots throughout the period. A faculty advisor will support the team to the extent permitted by the competition rules.

The Australian rounds will be held in Canberra at the Australian National University. The top two (and possibly three) Australian teams will then compete in the international finals in Washington DC.

Key dates

  • Monday 7 September 2026, 11:59pm — expressions of interest close

  • Wednesday 9 September 2026 — oral submissions

  • January 2027 — memorials submitted to the National Administrator and to ILSA

  • Week 2, February 2027 — national rounds, Canberra

  • Saturday 27 March – Sunday 4 April 2027 — international finals, Washington DC

Eligibility

  • Excellent research and writing skills required; completion of Public International Law preferred

  • Prior mooting experience preferred (external competitions). Internal competitions and in-course moots may also be considered at the discretion of the Mooting Coordinator

  • Must be available for all required activities, including group meetings, drafting and finalising memorials, and in-person practice moots

Course credit

Students selected to represent the Law School may be able to obtain credit for the External Legal Competitions Course (elective), which is offered during the summer semester.

How to apply

  1. Complete the expression of interest form by Monday 7 September 2026, 11:59pm.

  2. Upload a copy of your CV and academic transcript with the form.

  3. Present a six-minute oral submission for the Applicant based on last year’s Jessup problem, on Issue A: Sollania should be permitted to intervene as a non-party under Article 62 of the ICJ Statute. Last year’s best applicant memorial is available here.

Expression Of Interest Form

Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Competition Explainer Video