Law students take on mooting challenge with the Coventry City Council

Introduction

Coventry University Law School and Coventry City Council teamed up to deliver a mooting competition that gave law students an opportunity to sharpen their advocacy skills in a setting far removed from the classroom.

What is a mooting competition?

A mooting competition is a simulated court hearing where participants argue a fictional legal case in front of a judge. Typically held in law schools or legal training programs, these competitions help students develop key skills like legal research, public speaking, and persuasive argumentation. It's a chance to step into the shoes of a lawyer and test legal reasoning in a realistic setting.

Now in its second year, the collaboration between Coventry University Law School and Coventry City Council continues to grow in impact and ambition. The competition was designed not only to test students' legal knowledge but also to immerse them in the realities of courtroom dynamics. With mentoring provided by trainee solicitors from the Council and Coventry University Law School, students were guided through the process of preparing and presenting legal arguments.

Held inside the Council Chamber—a setting in civic authority and tradition—the event challenged students to argue complex cases before a panel of judges made up of Council members. The winning team would have the chance to take part in a work experience placement with the Council.

Gethushan’s experience

Among those who participated was Gethushan Raveendran, a Commercial Law LLB (Hons) student, who shared an honest and reflective account of his experience.

“Even though my performance was not up to my expectations, I learned a great deal about resilience, flexibility, and advocacy.’’

Gethushan’s team tackled an emotionally charged custody case involving allegations of abuse. Representing the mother, they argued for interim custody arrangements. The emotional weight of the case, combined with time constraints and preparation challenges, made it a very real and intense experience. Gethushan pressed forward, gaining valuable insights through the experience.

“The opposing team was more skilled... I was intimidated yet motivated to put in more effort to be a great advocate.”

His reflections offer valuable lessons for aspiring mooters: prepare thoroughly, ask questions early, and practice consistently.

“Not every competition is in your favour, and that is okay. The learning process is more important.”

If you’re curious about a career in law or interested in advocacy, this kind of hands-on experience is a must. Gethushan put it:

“Winning is not everything—it's about honing skills, learning lessons, and gaining confidence. With more prep and more practice, I can do better next time.”