McKays Solicitors’ Competition Inspires Mackay’s Future Legal Professionals
We are incredibly proud to reflect on the success of the inaugural McKays Solicitors High School Criminal Law Moot Competition, held on Monday, 3 November 2025, at the Mackay Courthouse. The event gave local Legal Studies students a rare opportunity to step into a real courtroom, apply their knowledge, and put their advocacy skills to the test before members of the Mackay legal community.
Reviving a long-standing local tradition previously hosted by the Mackay District Law Association and later by Central Queensland University, McKays Solicitors has reintroduced the Moot to ensure today’s students have the same valuable opportunities to gain hands-on legal experience.
A Day of Learning, Competition and Inspiration
Teams of Year 10 and 11 students from four local high schools took part in two preliminary rounds, before facing off in a highly anticipated Grand Final presided over by a local Magistrate. The mock trial centred on an armed robbery case, with the accused, victim, and witnesses played by members of the legal community.
The Grand Final was an incredibly exciting finish to the day. The courtroom was packed with students, teachers, and members of the profession, as the finalists delivered their closing submissions. The talent in the room was outstanding, and the energy was described as electric.
McKays Director and Principal Marcus Hahn said the enthusiasm and performance of the students exceeded all expectations.
“The standard of courtroom presentation we saw on the day was truly outstanding. Each team demonstrated remarkable growth and professionalism, far beyond what you’d expect at a high school level,” Marcus said. “And while there was a winning team on the day, every student who took part walked away a winner — the experience, confidence, and skills they gained will stay with them well beyond the competition.”
After an impressive final round, Whitsunday Anglican School was announced as the winning team, represented by Caitlin Rourke and Emily Wilkins.
Caitlin was also named Best Advocate of the Day for her exceptional courtroom performance and composure under pressure.
The 2025 participating schools were:
- Mackay North State High School: Miley Caporn and Lucinda Grieger
- Whitsunday Anglican School: Caitlin Rourke and Emily Wilkins
- Mackay Northern Beaches State High School: Alyssa Warnes and Preston Hall
- St Patrick’s College Mackay: Bailey Dewar and Charlotte Gray
Connecting Students and the Legal Profession
Following the Grand Final, students were treated to an engaging Q&A session with the Magistrate, local barristers, and McKays’ senior lawyers. The session was a highlight of the day for many, with students eagerly asking about the realities of legal practice, pathways into law, and how to prepare for a future legal career.
For Chloe Daniel, a solicitor in McKays’ Criminal Law team and former Moot competitor herself, the experience was particularly meaningful.
“I was particularly impressed to see how the students’ advocacy skills developed from the start of the competition to the day of the Moot. During our visits to local high schools, we coached them on courtroom etiquette and advocacy — everything from pace and tone of voice, to the Browne v Dunn Rule, to controlling their witness and asking leading questions during cross-examination. Watching them confidently and properly put these skills into practice in a real courtroom was incredibly rewarding and a testament to their hard work and enthusiasm throughout the competition.”
Chloe first competed in the same Moot as a Year 11 student in 2019. “Back then, Marcus was my mentor,” she reflected. “Now he’s my supervising solicitor. Standing in the same courtroom, but this time helping students, felt really special.”
Feedback from the students
The response from teachers and students was overwhelmingly positive. One teacher shared:
“The students had an incredible time and haven’t stopped talking about how enjoyable the whole day was. We were so appreciative of how supportive everyone at McKays was — from the initial school visits and the feedback after the preliminary rounds, through to the final moot and the thoughtful comments afterwards.”
Another said their students had described the competition as “the best day ever,” while others were already asking, “When can we go again?”
McKays Director Suzanne Brown said the day showcased the remarkable promise of the region’s next generation of legal professionals.
“The standard of legal reasoning demonstrated by the students was exceptional — confident, articulate and well-prepared,” Suzanne said. “It’s inspiring to see such emerging talent right here in our own region. Competitions like this are so important in regional areas, as they give local students the chance to experience the courtroom environment firsthand and connect with members of the legal profession without having to travel to a capital city.”
Continuing the Commitment to Student Development
Following the success of the competition, McKays Solicitors will expand its student engagement initiatives by offering additional work experience opportunities for local high school students who are considering a career in law.
For over 20 years, McKays’ comprehensive work experience and graduate programs have served as a launchpad for talented young lawyers, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in their field. As Suzanne explained, “Initiatives like this moot competition are part of our long-standing commitment to supporting and developing local talent.”
Looking Ahead
Given the success of the event, McKays is delighted to confirm that the High School Moot Competition will return in 2026, with plans already underway to expand the program and invite even more local schools to participate.
Marcus Hahn said the firm sees this as a natural extension of its values and community focus.
“We’ve built a strong reputation for supporting local families and businesses, and it’s equally important for us to invest in the next generation,” he said. “These students will be our future lawyers, and giving them this experience plants the seed for a lifelong passion for justice.”
Expressions of interest for the 2026 competition can be emailed to Marcus Hahn, Director at mhahn@mckayslaw.com
