Year 11 students crowned 2023 Mock Trial Champions

Loreto Kirribilli’s Year 11 Mock Trial team was judged winner of the NSW Law Society’s annual competition.

The Mock Trial competition comprises of 144 student-led teams from across NSW and the ACT. It is a practical way to introduce students to the law and increase their understanding of our judicial system. This year’s Loreto Kirribilli team, made up of eight Year 11 students, dealt with cases of poisoned muffins, stolen dogs, obstructed railways and basketball games gone wrong!

In the final trial of the year, the team defended a case centred on antisemitism. In an unflappable manner, and in the face of tough competition, the students were victorious as Grand Final winners against a very impressive Brigidine College, St Ives.

Loreto Kirribilli has won the Mock Trial competition three times in the past five years, and 2023 was the second time during that period that one of our students won the prestigious Advocacy Prize for their involvement, a huge achievement.

The success of our Mock Trial team is a testament to the hard work and effort of our students, our Legal Studies teacher Phillip Bain, and the very generous contribution of Mr John Berry OAM and ex-student Justice Julia Lonergan (’78) in coaching and preparing the students. There is also an incredible level of support from all students and parents within the Loreto Kirribilli community, with many following the progression of the team throughout the year.

The 2023 Mock Trial season was exhilarating, with the competition getting more challenging as the rounds progressed. We defended and prosecuted skilfully, making it to the Grand Final and taking home the trophy! The effort and dedication of each of the team members was evident in the calibre of our performance, with five of the team members contributing to the famed Mock Trial Blue Book. We could not have been half as successful without the guidance of Mr Bain, who dedicated his Tuesdays and Fridays each week to guide us to victory. Thank you to Mr Bain and the wonderful 2023 Mock Trial Team. Zara, Year 11