Exploring The Art of Advocacy 

What is Advocacy?  

Advocacy comprises of many abilities, such as researching, drafting skeleton arguments, public speaking, and communicating a solid and persuasive argument. Many law students put off advocacy as they do not want to go to trial; however, you will need these skills whether you are a solicitor or a barrister. Advocacy starts as you meet a client, prepare research for the case, prepare the documents for the trial, and finally present the case in court.  

In this discussion with Anjuma, we look at the art of advocacy to encourage prospective lawyers to consider the significance of this experience.  

Q1: What does advocacy mean to you, and what is its purpose? 

​

Being an advocate in the legal sense is defending your client. I know mooting is not true to life; we use fake scenarios. However, you do put yourself into the shoes of a barrister to represent that client. So, advocacy, in my eyes, is making a winning case for your client and trying your best to support that with solid legal arguments. 

Q2: Do you think that certain personality types thrive in this space? 

​

There is a stigma around certain personality types thriving in advocacy. However, every year there is that one person who comes in with little confidence, and they end up going from zero to a hundred, just because of things like feedback and motivation. You gain confidence as you progress, also by seeing your peers. I purposely paired up confident people with those who are not, and the results are astounding. They uplift each other in remarkable ways. 

Q3: You have been on both sides, meaning you have been a respondent/ appellant, and you have also acted as a judge. What is the mindset going into each of these roles? 

​

It is two completely, different realms. Last year, I had to write the best arguments. I had to know what my learned friends were arguing and have a rebuttal. I thought of every question the judges could ask me to have a perfect judicial intervention. I wanted to formulate arguments that no one else had, to differentiate me from other candidates. I took it as drama school. I practised every day and even got my parents to be my judges.  

This year, I have marked every skeleton and know how strong their legal submissions are. I figured out every judicial intervention I could make. Primarily, I focused on giving in-depth feedback so that participants could improve with each round. 

Q4: What would you say are skills that everyone needs to practice mooting? 

​

If I am being honest, you do not need any skills to practice mooting. Although, successful mooters all put time and dedication into their submissions. It is a lot of work that goes into it, so it is also essential to have the willingness to learn. You know you have done mooting well when you improve your craft with each round.  

Q5: Why would you recommend mooting students pursuing a legal education? 

​

Firstly, it can help direct your law career and shape your interests. Secondly, you gain skills in mooting that your law degree alone will not give you. In mooting, we talk to supreme court judges. We speak with barristers, learn court etiquette, and learn to make skeleton arguments. Anyone who is doing a law degree should experience mooting. Even if you do not want to be a barrister, the skills that you gain will stay with you for the rest of your life. 

Q6: Are there any resources you can recommend for anyone who wants to learn about mooting?

One resource I use is a website called, Mooting.net for students. It provides a lot of insight into mooting, formulating arguments, and developing your skeleton, with lots of valuable information. Also, by just joining the Brunel mooting competition, many invaluable training sessions take place even if you do not make it to the finals. We guide you and try our best to give you all the information you need to develop your understanding of advocacy. After you have a foundational understanding of what is required of you, you can begin making it your art.  

Thank you again to Anjuma Mukith, the Internal Mooting Officer (2021-2022). She will be acting as The External Mooting Officer in 2022-2.  

Written by Maria-Reina Kolusade  

Share this now!