Upcoming Competitions
Internal Competitions
RMITLSS Completions & Events are collaborating to host a parliamentary debate involving a non-legal question. The debate is not formal like a moot or negotiation competition and provides a genuine opportunity for students to meet and engage in meaningful debate.
Students seeking to join the debate (as opposed to spectators) are strongly encouraged to complete the form and contact the LSS via email to discuss their interest in the topic. such emails should be sent to competitionsrmitlss@gmail.com cc: law.society@rmit.edu.au directed their request to Maxim Parritt from the Competitions team.
Topic: Freedom of Speech is under threat in Australia
Date: 4 September 2026
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Room 13.01.01
Debate Competition
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
Join us for an interactive Advocacy Workshop presented in collaboration with Mary Shamaly (Lawyer, Grace +Justice) and Bianca Failla (Principal Lawyer, Human Rights and Disability Law Partners).
Starting with a 20-minute live mock moot, where you’ll watch the Kirby Contract Moot competitors go head-to-head and see courtroom advocacy unfold. Following the moot, our lawyers will take you through the essentials of courtroom and mooting advocacy. You’ll then have the opportunity to practice the learned skills, receive practical feedback from experienced advocates, and refine your approach in a supportive environment.
🎓 Participants who complete the workshop will receive a certificate of completion, which can on LinkedIn to showcase to employers.
Date: Tuesday 8th September 2026.
Time: 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Venue: Entrance to the Old Magistrates Court is located at the corner of La Trobe Street and Russell Street (Building 20 - RMIT University, 325-343 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000).
EOI END DATE: 3 September 2026.
Civil Advocacy Workshop
Contracts Law Moot 2026
Think you've got what it takes to argue a case in front of a judge? Now's your chance to find out.
The RMIT LSS Contracts Law Moot is a simulated legal debate built around a real Contracts law problem. In teams of 3-4 (with two members appearing as counsel), you'll research the law, build your argument, and go head-to-head with another team to convince the judge your client should win.
Dates:
EOI Closes: 5 August
Written Submission Due: 4 September
Waiver Form and Problem Release: 12 August
Oral Submissions: 12 & 13 September 2026 (all day event 9-5pm)
Venue: Old Magistrates Court RMIT Building 1/124 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Advanced Criminal Law Moot 2026
Dates:
Oral Submissions: 31 October – 1 November
Venue: Old Magistrates Court RMIT Building 1/124 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
External Competitions
The 14 th Annual Michael Kirby Contract Law Moot
Teams have been selected
Dates:
Registrations Open: 1 June
Competition Week: 21-24 September
Opening Briefing & Welcome Event: 21 September
Grand Final, Awards Ceremony & Cocktail Reception: 24 September
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
Complete the expression of interest form by Monday 7 September 2026, 11:59pm.
Upload a copy of your CV and academic transcript with the form.
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.
Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Competition Explainer Video