At the University of Windsor Faculty of Law, mooting and negotiation competitions are more than academic exercises — they are integral to how students grow into confident, capable legal professionals. These experiences develop professionalism, judgment, and resilience that will guide their careers.
Why Mooting Matters in Legal Education
Mooting, a simulated court hearing usually focused on appeals, challenges students to think critically, advocate persuasively, and navigate complex legal and ethical issues under pressure. For third-year student Dyrone Cuevas-Martinez, mooting opened a new dimension of advocacy. Having worked as a licensed paralegal prior to law school, he was familiar with trial-level proceedings. However, appellate advocacy demanded something different.
“At the appellate level, you really have to know the law and how it’s applied,” he said. “You can’t rely on facts alone. Mooting pushed me to structure my arguments carefully, make strategic concessions, and think quickly when judges challenged my position.”
Cuevas-Martinez also emphasized the personal growth aspect. “Mooting helped me to advance my arguments professionally and learn to work closely with a teammate to create a cohesive presentation.”
Building Professional Skills Through Competition
Serving as a coach for this year’s Julius Alexander Isaac Moot deepened his appreciation for how transformative mooting can be. The experience also prompted Cuevas-Martinez to reflect on his own growth — now a senior student confident in mentoring others and guiding them through complex legal arguments.
For Mark Jones, a second-year law student who has participated in the Julius Alexander Isaac Moot, the Zuber Moot, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mediation Competition, the appeal of mooting lies in the combination of challenge and creativity.
“You learn to apply critical thinking and advocacy skills in a way the classroom can’t offer,” he said. “Even when a case feels one-sided, it forces you to be strategic and thoughtful about your arguments. It’s hard work, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Jones also highlighted the teamwork and time management skills that competitions cultivate. “The preparation spans semesters, but it teaches you to manage priorities, to recover, and to stay focused. Skills that are essential for practicing law,” Jones said.
Negotiation Competitions: A Different Kind of Advocacy
While appellate moots sharpen students’ courtroom advocacy, negotiation competitions shift the focus from adversarial argument to dispute resolution and transactional problem-solving. Third-year students Joshua Carrasco and Andrej Prpa recently demonstrated the strength of those skills with a first-place finish at the Canadian National Negotiation Competition (CNNC) in Montreal.
Their victory means they will represent Canada at the International Negotiation Competition, hosted at Dalhousie University from June 29 to July 4 — the first time the international competition will be held in Canada.
For Carrasco, the competition underscored the importance of trust and composure under pressure. In the opening round, he and Prpa took a brief five-minute caucus to regroup.
“That quick conversation reminded us that negotiation is collaborative. You focus so much in preparation on how to unlock cooperation with your opponents toward success, that sometimes you forget to prioritize the balance of your own partnership,” Carrasco said.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence
Prpa understands firsthand how daunting these experiences can feel and why they matter. He hopes other students will embrace the challenge rather than shy away from it.
“Competitions can be intimidating,” he said. “But those moments of self-doubt are often where the most growth happens. When you take that leap, you realize you’re capable of more than you thought.”
Looking forward, Prpa and Carrasco are preparing to take the international stage, representing both Windsor Law and Canada at the INC this summer. They describe the opportunity as both an honor and a responsibility.
“The international competition brings together teams from different legal traditions and negotiation styles. Representing Canada is incredibly meaningful, but what stands out most is the opportunity to demonstrate professionalism, respect, and preparation on a global stage,” Prpa said.
The Faculty Perspective: Beyond Winning
Prof. Reem Bahdi, dean of Windsor Law, emphasizes that the value lies deeper than the trophies. “We are incredibly proud when our students succeed and earn recognition at these competitions,” she said. “Their success reflects not only individual dedication, but also the training and mentorship they receive at Windsor Law. Mooting helps students discover their professional voices and those lessons stay with them long after law school.”
Whether arguing before a panel of appellate jurists or negotiating a complex agreement, Windsor Law students are learning that legal education extends beyond knowledge of the law. It’s about critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to tell a compelling story.
Through mooting and competitions, students are not simply preparing to win cases — they are preparing to serve clients, strengthen communities, and lead with professionalism wherever their careers take them.
Take the Next Step in Your Legal Education
Interested in developing your advocacy and negotiation skills through mooting competitions? Explore the University of Windsor Faculty of Law’s programs to learn how you can participate in these transformative experiences and build the professional skills that will define your legal career.
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