Brimacombe Selection Round first-place winner Dylan Gibbs
September 28 and 29 saw the competitive moot season get officially underway with the Brimacombe Selection Round, with first place going to 3L student Dylan Gibbs, followed by first runner-up Kritika Sharma (2L).
A total of 76 second and third-year students threw their hats in the ring for this year's Brimacombe Selection Round, the tournament that determines eligibility for UAlberta Law's 2017-2018 moot teams.
In addition to the two frontrunners, honourable mentions went to Andrew Skeith (2L), Daniel Downie (2L), Nate Gartke (2L), Carly Toronchuk (2L), Laura Perram (2L), Taylor Thiesen (2L), Daniel Jachna (3L) and Elizabeth Allum (3L) for their outstanding performances.
"Congratulations to Dylan, Kritika and the other outstanding mooters who received honourable mentions for an exceptional performances," said UAlberta Law Dean Paul Paton.
"Mooting is an immense source of pride for our law school, and promoting our competitive moot program has been a priority of my deanship from the very beginning. Our teams have enjoyed tremendous successes in the past two years, and given this year's incredibly deep pool of talent I have great expectations for 2017-2018 as well."
With a total of 53 spots up for grabs, participating students threw themselves into 10 grueling hours of tryouts followed by many more hours of deliberation. Professors David Percy, Peter Sankoff and Stella Varvis served as selection round judges, while 1L students Erin Bower, Monica Tran, Anita Nowinka, Sibona Moya and Patrick White acted as court clerks.
"This year's competitors were exceptionally strong," said Prof. Varvis.
"The selection process was very difficult this time around given the high quality of presentations. We truly wish we had more spots available, as many of the students we had to leave off the list were more than capable of competing and representing our school. For those in 2L who didn't make it, we hope you will consider trying out again next year."
The first national moot competition of the seasons will be the Labour Arbitration Moot, held in Toronto from January 26 to 28, 2018, in which 2L students Gina Murray will Lydia Roseman will represent Team UAlberta. Stay tuned for more details.