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riefly, the mooting competition asks student teams to identify and address the legal issues for both the appellant and the respondent in a selected contemporary Canadian case. The competition requires students to draw on their advocacy, legal research, and legal writing skills as they present ten-minute oral submissions before a panel of judges. Furthermore, teams prepare and submit a written component using a prescribed format.

What to Expect

The 2016 Paralegal Cup will highlight top-tiered students from colleges across Ontario. The first day consists of four mooting rounds followed by a networking hour and the highly anticipated evening dinner celebrating the students’ achievements from the day’s competition. The theme of this year's competition is Growth, Success and Innovation. On the second day, the top eight teams, based on total oral and written scores from the preliminary rounds, compete in the quarterfinal, semi-final, and final rounds. In the finalist rounds, the team with the higher score advances.

In past years, the evening dinner has featured a number of influential and prominent keynote speakers and distinguished guests from the legal community. The event serves to be an invaluable opportunity for students to connect with mentors, industry leaders, and future colleagues. Furthermore, it helps us to thank you for all of your hard work and commitment to the success of the event. On the second day, the top eight teams, based on total oral and written scores from the preliminary rounds, compete in the quarterfinal, semi-final, and final rounds. In the finalist rounds, the team with the higher score advances.

Building on the success of 2015, this year the Law Society of Upper Canada has invited the Paralegal Cup competition to take place at Osgoode Hall. We are thrilled at the opportunity to highlight the incredible talent of the paralegal student mooters to the entire legal profession.

The Steering Committee remains focussed on strengthening our community involvement. As an example, we have forged a strategic partnership with the Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN), to reach out to local high schools in an effort to build awareness of the Paralegal profession. By getting involved as volunteers, we can offer a unique experience for high school students. This is an opportunity for them to connect with leaders in the legal community while gaining hands-on experience and gain valuable insight into the Paralegal profession.

Thank you for participating in our non-profit event. The competition offers you a unique opportunity to encourage extra-curricular academic skill development and support experiential paralegal education in Ontario.

At its heart, the Paralegal Cup is about students. Students are the future of the paralegal profession. The students who participate in the competition become stronger and more confident advocates. As they graduate into the profession, they are better prepared to deliver Ontarians increased access to justice.