TLABC is a proud sponsor of moot teams and events at all three of BC’s law schools. Below are recaps of the team experiences and events as provided by each of the schools (in order of event dates). Congratulations to all the participants from each school. The future of law is bright indeed!

Dean’s Cup Moot by Trial Lawyers Association of BC (TRU)
7 February 2025
by Luke Conkin, Student Club President

The 4th Annual Dean’s Cup Moot by Trial Lawyers Association of BC (2025), hosted at Thompson Rivers University by the TRU Oral Advocacy Club, was a resounding success, bringing together law students, faculty, and members of the legal profession for an intense and engaging competition. After months of preparation, 32 participants on 16 teams had the opportunity to showcase their oral advocacy skills in a simulated appellate setting, arguing Aboriginal and Constitutional law issues before a distinguished panel of judges, including BCCA Chief Justice Len Marchand. The competition provided an invaluable learning experience, offering students a platform to develop their advocacy, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.

We were thrilled to welcome Greg Phillips and Karen St.Aubin from TLABC to Kamloops for the final night of the competition on February 7, where they played a key role in supporting and engaging with the next generation of advocates. Their presence and insights added tremendous value to the experience, and we deeply appreciate their contributions.

A huge congratulations to our winners:
1st Place: Team 206R - Cameron Carter and Henry Stagg-Tanner
2nd Place: Team 205A - Alishah Khaki and Angad Bhalla
3rd Place: Team 203A - Audrene Keshavarzi and Joshua Fetter

We extend our gratitude to all the participants, organizers, and sponsors who made this year’s Dean’s Cup Moot such a memorable and impactful event.

 

UBC team at the BC Law Schools Moot
8 February 2025
by Professor Sam Beswick

Please join me in congratulating Allison Spring, Kira Szewczyk and Ales Skala for winning a clean sweep of awards at the BC Law Schools Moot before the province’s senior judges in Victoria on Saturday, February 8 against UVic and TRU. Our team brought home the winner’s trophy, the prize for best factum (Allison), and prizes for best oralist in both of their divisions (Allison and Kira), as well as securing runner-up oralist (Ales).

This year’s moot problem was an appeal from the judgment in Canada Life Assurance Company et al. v. Aphria Inc., 2023 ONSC 6912, and the two issues on appeal concerned (1) whether a commercial landlord is subject to the doctrine of mitigation when the tenant repudiates the lease; and (2) what was the correct interpretation of a rather poorly drafted contractual clause capping the tenant’s liability. The judges came ready to play with tough and persistent questioning of counsel. Our team performed admirably and were rewarded with high praise from the bench.

We are very grateful to our coaches— Todd Shikaze, Stephanie Ovens and Gabriel Rincon—who held weekly practice sessions with the team and gave many hours of their time (and many late evenings) throughout the year to guide the students in their written and oral advocacy. Their dedication to our team for this moot each year alongside other demands on their time is hugely appreciated.

Thank you to DLA Piper LLP for sponsoring their copy centre services as well as an afternoon reception with the judges, and to the Trial Lawyers’ Association of BC for sponsoring Allard Law’s team travel.

Huge thanks go to Professors Joost Blom, Doug Harris, Ljiljana Biukovic, Bruce MacDougall, Adam Hofri, Erez Aloni, as well as previous mooters Ashley Cruickshank (who also travelled to Victoria to support the team), Hugh Graham, and Jade Tsui, for generously sharing their advice and serving as practice judges during sessions in Allard Hall.

Well done, Allison, Kira and Ales. It was my pleasure to work with this superb group of future litigators.

UVic team at the Western Canada Trial Advocacy Competition (MacIntyre Cup)
15-16 February 2025
by Roberto Alberto (coach)

Students and coaches of the UVic Law Team travelled to Winnipeg the weekend of February 15-16) to participate in the 2025 Western Canadian Trial Advocacy Competition (MacIntyre Cup). While they did not win the competition this year, it was nonetheless a fantastic experience.

The student team members this year were Sophie Fergus, Kieran Crosby, Elaine Goussiatiner and Isabelle McIntyre.

Coach Roberto Alberto sent the following message to the Associate Dean:

“I am writing to provide an update on our moot team’s journey in the recent competition. Despite all the work our students did and the skill they showed, we did not qualify for the Sopinka Cup this year. However, despite this outcome, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the incredible dedication, passion, and skill that our students demonstrated throughout the process.

The team worked tirelessly, investing countless hours in preparation, research, and practice. They worked through illnesses, family commitments, other class commitments and implemented feedback from local lawyers and judges. The students' commitment to advocacy and the pursuit of excellence was truly inspiring, and they represented our university with professionalism and integrity. Though the outcome was not what we had hoped for, their growth as advocates and their unwavering determination are achievements to be celebrated.

We are very grateful for the continued support of the university, which has been instrumental in providing our students with the resources and opportunities to develop their advocacy skills. Your encouragement and investment in their success mean the world to us, and we look forward to continuing this journey in future competitions.

Thank you once again for your support and belief in our students. We remain proud of their efforts and excited for what lies ahead.”