By Henry Ea -
Future legal stars took centre stage as the Law Society of New South Wales held the 2025 Mock Trial and Mock Mediation Grand Finals.
The Landerer Moot Court at the University of Sydney was filled with palpable excitement as undefeated finalists, Chevalier College and Maronite College of the Holy Family, battled for the state championship this week.
The event showcased the state’s top future legal talent and was presided over by Anthony Cheshire SC, with Professor Fleur Johns (Dean of the University of Sydney Law School) and Jacqueline Dawson (Councillor, Law Society of NSW) serving as Co-Adjudicators.
The two schools argued the fictional case Police v Dunning, focused on a charge of Negligent Driving under Section 117 of the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW). The scenario involved a dramatic collision in Parramatta, between a police vehicle, responding to a “robbery in progress” at a jewellery store, and an Uber driven by the defendant.
The students skilfully navigated complex legal precedents concerning the duty of care owed by drivers of emergency vehicles, referencing key cases such as Wintulich v Lenthall and Gaynor v Allen.
Following high-stakes displays of cross-examination and powerful closing submissions, the panel awarded the victory to Chevalier College, which acted for the Defence. This triumph marks a significant milestone for the school, solidifying its reputation with a fourth Grand Final win in the competition’s history.
The judges praised the finalists’ performance and composure, stressing the vital role of the skills they demonstrated.
Professor Fleur Johns highlighted the “incredible teamwork” displayed by both sides, noting the constant collaboration and support between participants. She commended the students for their hard work and success, encouraging them to feel “enormously proud” and expressing her hope they would attend law school, where they would be “very welcome” and sure to “thrive.”
Seasoned litigator Jacqueline Dawson expressed her deep admiration for the students’ ability to “hold your nerve and distil the facts” despite the pressure. She stressed the essential democratic role played by legal professionals.
“Unless both sides and any dispute are properly and well represented, outcomes can be unfortunate, so you lived it, now you understand the importance of it, and well done.”
Anthony Cheshire SC encouraged the students to consider a career as a barrister, describing it as “the pointy end” of the profession and “so much fun.” He addressed the profession’s focus on promoting diversity and urged the young aspiring barristers not to delay their pursuit of that career, warning that many regret not making the transition earlier in life.
“I encourage you to think about it, because it is much easier to do that when you don’t have very much money … make a positive decision. Don’t just let it go and regret it,” he advised.
The Mock Trial competition, run by The Law Society of New South Wales, continues to be a premier event for high school students, testing their ability to analyse evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and formulate persuasive legal arguments under the pressure of a courtroom environment.
Beyond the courtroom: Mock Mediation Final cultivates crucial ‘skills for life’
After six rounds of competition involving 14 schools, the Law Society’s 2025 Mock Mediation Grand Final was held last Friday, where Sydney Boys High School was crowned the winner against James Ruse Agricultural High School. The closely contested final, overseen by experienced mediators Lara Bishkov and Phillip Argy, reinforced the crucial role of mediation as an alternative to litigation in modern ADR.
Over its 29-year history, the Mock Mediation Competition has served as a key educational experience for students in Years 9 and 10, naturally preceding the Mock Trial Competition for older students. This program, supported by dedicated legal volunteers, immerses participants in vital non-adversarial skills that transcend the courtroom, including active listening, self-awareness, empathy, and creative problem-solving. By emphasising personal integrity and respect, the competition encourages students to view conflict as an opportunity for positive change and mutually beneficial agreements.
Bishkov passionately addressed the finalists, emphasising the profound significance of their involvement.
“In a world that often shouts before it listens today, you stand here as proof that dialogue, respect and empathy still matter,” Bishkov stated. She warned that when differences turn divisive, and communication becomes disrespectful, “the fabric of civility begins to unravel.” She asserted that the skills being developed–respectfully disagreeing, negotiating, collaborating, and active listening–are ‘Skills for Life’ that the students will use in every aspect of their future careers and lives.
“When we really listen to understand, when we take time to learn about other people’s interests, something powerful happens. Disagreement turns to dialogue, and conflict becomes an opportunity for problem solving,” she added. “Being able to speak with someone that you may not agree with, by listening to understand, by listening to learn, and listening to bridge differences … these are all the foundations for a more peaceful and respectful community.”
Argy offered detailed, constructive feedback based on his four decades of experience. He confirmed that the students’ performances were “fabulous” and an entirely strong display of the structured approach that makes mediation a highly effective tool for conflict resolution.
Argy concluded that the performances were “very strong performances and worthy of the grand final for sure.”
The Mock Law program has been an integral part of the Law Society’s community legal education project since 1981. It’s an opportunity to increase public awareness of the legal process, connect with the wider community, and support future members of the legal profession.
The 2026 program will commence in March and is currently seeking volunteers to act as magistrates, adjudicators, and script writers in both the Mock Trial and Mock Mediation competitions. If you would like to be involved, please contact the Mock Law Coordinator at mocklaw@lawsociety.com.au
