So as well as doing work experience like mini pupillages, its important to build up your CV in other ways as well.
A really good way is by taking part in the internal mooting competition within the law society that takes place every year.
Not only does this help you with simple things like remembering cases, and learning to articulate yourself in a clear and concise manner, but it also starts to teach you the basics of being in court. For example court room manner is extremely important, mooting helps you to develop skills like this, as well as improving your overall confidence, and above all its so much fun to take part in.
If you are lucky enough to make to the final then you will even be judged by a barrister or a judge.

This page will aim to explain what mooting is about, give examples of past mooters preparation, past mooting cases and will even give a few hints and tips on being a top mooter!!!!!

Mooting is basically arguing a case in front of a judge on a point of law. The facts are never in dispute in a moot.
You moot in a pair, one of you as lead counsel and the other as junior. You each have ten minutes in which to present your argument to the judge. You should be aware that the judge WILL ask you questions regarding your arguments.

There are two example mooting problems as attachments at the bottom of this page. Please feel free to download them and take a look.
You will see if you have looked at them that there are always two grounds for appeal. The lead counsel will take the first one and the junior will take the second.
During the early rounds you will be limited to the cases that are specified on the problem, however in the semi finals and finals you are allowed to use cases other than the ones specified. Although you have a maximum limit of 8 cases in total.
In later rounds you will also be required to provide your opponents and the judge with a bundle and a skeleton argument. A bundle is a collection of all the cases you are using in your arguments, and should always be neat and easy to navigate. Here are some pictures to give you an idea of what a bundle should look like:-



As you can see from the pictures, a good bundle should be in a binder, which is in good condition, with the cases clearly labelled, and markers so that the judge can easily flick to the relevent parts of the case that you rely on in your arguments. Of course all bundles will vary slightly depending on the person, so as long as they are neat and tidy you will be fine!!
You are likely to lose marks if your bundle is not up to scratch!!!!

Next up is your argument itself. The biggest mistake a mooter can make is to come to the moot with a pre-prepared speech, and simply recite it word for word. When the judge asks you a question you will become flustered, as you have not allowed any flexibility in your arguments. Come with prepared cue cards, which contain bullet points, this will allow you to be much more flexible in your arguments.
Below are some pictures showing examples of cue cards, key phrases are ideal to put on cue cards, especially your opening and closing statements. As it wont be very impressive if you mumble your closing statement as you sit down!!!!

A skeleton argument is an outline of your submissions and all the cases you are using. It must contain all the cases you seek to rely on, it wont look good if you rely on a case which is not mentioned in your skeleton argument and bundles. There is an example of a skelton argument as an attachment at the bottom of the page.

Top tips for mooting

1. Make sure you are smartly dressed. WEAR A SUIT!!!! and girls make sure hair is neat and away from the face!!!
2. If you make it to later rounds, ensure your bundle is neatly put together, and easy to navigate
3. DO NOT read a prepared speech!!!
4. Skeleton arguments have to be sent to the judge prior to the moot, usually 24hrs. Make sure it is not late!! You WILL lose marks if it is.
5. Make sure you include all authorities on which you wish to rely on. The judge wont be impressed if you quote from a case that you then haven't provided!!
6. Finally and probably most importantly ENJOY YOURSELF!!! mooting takes a lot of preparation, but is a lot of fun to take part in!!

Mooting isn't the only extra curricular activity that you can do, however. Its advisable to have other extra curricular activites, volunteering for example is a great way of building up your CV. There are a mountain of volunteering opportunities both law and non-law related. Both are equally good. Below are a few examples of the types of volunteer work you can do.

• mentoring schemes, eg with norfolk probation service.
• street law
• appropriate adult schemes
• FRU - free representaation unit
• being a fundraiser for charities
• helping out in local charity shops
• and many many more

Not only does this look great on your CV but at the same time you could really be helping to change someones life, which is a reward in itself.

Another great activity to get involved in is negotiating, although more tailored for if you want to become a solicitor, it is still a great thing to have on your CV!!!! Its great to improve your communication and bargaining skills, and is also good fun too!!!!!

Finally, getting involved in clubs and societies is another great extracurricular activity. As well as being great fun and rewarding at the same time, it shows that you are willing to put in time effort and to commit yourself, qualities which are needed if you want to become a barrister or a solicitor.