High School Criminal Law Moot
McKays Solicitors is proud offer an annual Criminal Law Moot Competition for High School Legal Studies students, giving Mackay’s next generation of lawyers a rare chance to step into a real courtroom and put their advocacy skills to the test.
This unique experience was previously hosted by the Mackay District Law Association and later by Central Queensland University. McKays Solicitors has now revived the tradition, offering today’s local law students the same valuable opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field.
The competition includes preliminary rounds, leading to a Grand Final, presided over by a local Magistrate. The event is designed to challenge, educate, and excite students about the realities of criminal law practice.
Participating schools are encouraged to embrace the moot as a full-day excursion for their entire Legal Studies classes, allowing students to take turns observing live Magistrates Court matters between competition rounds, allowing them to witness real court proceedings and gain insight into how the justice system operates.
In the lead-up to the competition, McKays’ lawyers visit each participating school to run workshops that help students refine their advocacy skills and gain insight into the day-to-day life as a lawyer.
Planning is already underway for the 2026 competition, and we’re excited to be expanding the program to give even more local schools the opportunity to take part.
Expressions of interest for the 2026 competition can be emailed to Marcus Hahn, Director at mhahn@mckayslaw.com
