Five Griffith University law students will appear in the Brisbane Supreme Court in front of Justice John Muir on Tuesday March 6 – as they warm up for international competition.
Debating a moot commercial arbitration case, the students will present to Justice Muir, along with Senior Commercial Barrister John McKenna SC and Minter Ellison partner Khory McCormick, who have volunteered their time to assist the students prepare.
The students will compete at the Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot and Vis East Moot competitions, held in Vienna and Hong Kong this month. Kangaroo Point residents Tim Elliss and Cameron Low are among the Griffith competitors.
Tim will compete at the competition in Vienna, against 178 teams from around the world and Cameron will compete at the Hong Kong competition against 40 international teams.
Tim said he is looking forward to the professional experience, and meeting people from international Law Schools.
“The competition provides the only real opportunity to do a case from start to finish. Usually we only get to do certain parts, but for the competition we cover all of it. We work in a team, and also get the experience of going overseas.”
Cameron, who fell sick before last year’s Vienna competition said he was looking forward to competing at the Hong Kong competition this year.
“I did all the preparation work last year but was unable to compete at the last minute, so it’s unfinished business for me,” Cameron said.
“It’s a phenomenal amount of work and very taxing on your time but you gain an understanding of how Commercial Arbitration works above and beyond what any course could teach you. It’s the closest you get to working on an actual case.”
Cameron and Tim both said the support of the Griffith staff had been excellent.
“The staff have been spectacular. I can’t speak highly enough of them,” Cameron said.
“Their industry links have led to great opportunities for us. Being heard by a judge, law firm partner and senior barrister is an experience you wouldn’t otherwise get until after you graduate.”
Senior Law Lecturer and Team Coach Therese Wilson said the competition will be invaluable.
“The students will acquire high-level advocacy skills and exposure to the world of international commercial arbitration. The arbitrators who assist at the competition are among the best internationally.”
Griffith is one of only two Queensland teams competing at the international competitions, which run in Hong Kong from March 19 to 25 and Vienna from March 30 to April 5.
Images of the students with Justice John Muir can be supplied upon request.
