In Semester 1, the University of Queensland Law Society (UQLS) is holding the Corrs Chambers Westgarth First Year Moot and the DibbsBarker Junior Negotiation Competition. Sign-on is available on the UQLS website but note that mooting sign-on closes on 11 March, 5pm.

Mooting is the most popular and prestigious of UQLS competitions. It simulates an appeal to an appellate court, and offers one of the best opportunities to improve student's research skills and develop oral advocacy skills for future, external, moot competitions and legal practice. The problem is loosely based on the content of your first semester courses and requires no previous experience. Teams of 2 to 3 people work together to present a case in what is an essential experience of law school. For more information, see our website.

Negotiation involves two teams acting as solicitors for opposing clients, aiming to negotiate a mutually acceptable solution based on their client's interests. Rather than being heavily based in substantive law like mooting, negotiation is "issue based". As a crucial element of legal practice and as an essential life-skill, negotiation offers a unique opportunity, with no previous experience required. For more information, see our website. Sign on closes on 25 March, 5pm.

The Director of Mooting at the TC Beirne School of Law, Dr Peter Billings, strongly encourages students to participate in the UQLS first year moot and/or negotiation competition.