In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic caused the regrettable cancellation of many oral advocacy competitions including moots and negotiations. In 2021, the organizers of these competitions regrouped and made the decision to conduct them virtually. While unprecedented, hosting moots online is akin to how many matters in the legal system are being conducted today. Fortunately, Osgoode rose to the challenge.
A number of Osgoode teams emerged victorious. This group of champions includes students of the Adam F. Fanaki Competition Law Moot, the Canadian National Negotiation Competition, the Donald G. Bowman National Tax Moot, the Julius Alexander Isaac Moot and the Hockey Arbitration Competition.
Other teams were the runners-up in their respective competitions. This includes students of the Oxford International Intellectual Property Moot, the Laskin Cup, the National Labour Arbitration Competition, as well as the Oxford Price Media Law Moot.
Some teams placed sufficiently highly on the national stage that they are advancing to international competitive rounds. This group includes the International Criminal Court Moot, and the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot.
In addition to these team placements, a number of JD students were recognized on an individual basis for their performances.
The International Academy of Dispute Resolution mediation tournament remains in progress.
A number of aspects of virtual advocacy are likely to remain relevant beyond the age of the pandemic. Students who competed virtually on behalf of Osgoode developed invaluable experience and skills while advocating into their webcams. Above all, they excelled while adapting to uncertain times. Congratulations all!