Yesterday Neha Chugh, Tonya Kent and I — three members of the Executive of Women in Canadian Criminal Defence (WiCCD) — got to see each other in person as Alex Pummer (a member of WiCCD’s wonderful volunteer Admin staff) was kind enough to include us in her event for this organization – CONGRATS ALEX!!

First of all it was a ton of fun to be part of this event and to co-Judge with Neha who made all the substantive rulings – because who knows how I would have ruled on anything. She was wonderful!

I would encourage anyone to volunteer to judge here in future and also I want to draw your attention to the organization. I was very impressed with this accomplished and energetic group of young people and the initiative they’ve shown to build such a practical, helpful and collegial organization.

Ontario Mock Trial Association strikes me as having a history very much like WiCCD, which I founded with a group of my closest friends.

They were formed exactly like us – someone had an idea and then in just two years it grew to hundreds of members and an international program movement for undergraduates interested in going to law school to be mentored and encouraged and get some practice through mock trials.

So much talent amidst the group of mooters – when these students become lawyers, the bar is going to be massively enriched and energized!

Congratulations to all the mooters, Judges and especially the organizers of this lovely & innovative program.

Here is their website https://www.ontariomock.com/

And from their LinkedIn

Overview

Our society is dedicated to providing students with a hands-on learning experience that complements their classroom studies and prepares them for future careers in the legal profession or related fields. As a member of our society, you will have the opportunity to participate in mock trials, where you will assume the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and judges, and compete against other mock trial societies at the regional, state, and national level. Additionally, you will gain a deeper understanding of the legal system and the judicial process through legal research and writing, rules of evidence, witness examination, and courtroom decorum. Our society also aims to provide members with valuable skills such as teamwork, public speaking, and critical thinking through workshops, guest speaker sessions and mentorship opportunities.