Available courses

Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition

While South Africa has seen significant gains since transitioning to a constitutional democracy, there is still much work to be done to ensure true equality and social justice for all. South Africa needs a new generation of human rights lawyers with the energy, ingenuity and skill to respond to the ongoing socioeconomic and political fallout from the issues we still face today. The Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition aims to expand the social justice sector by introducing law students to the prospects of a fulfilling career in public interest law.

Competition objectives 

  1. Offer public interest litigation as a viable and fulfilling career option for law students
  2. Assist law students interested in human rights law to build skills in research, writing, analysis and oration 
  3. Supplement the law curriculum by giving participants the opportunity to grapple with complex and emergent human rights issues while using a constitutional lens 
  4. Provide an opportunity to model both the soft and hard skills at the core of litigating in the public interest 
  5. Provide participants with the opportunity to build a community with fellow students interested in public interest lawyering 
  6. Introduce participants to the wide variety of organisations and individuals doing work in the public interest sector 
  7. Deepen students’ understanding of South Africa’s history which underpins present structural inequalities, poverty, and discrimination whose dismantling lies at the heart of public interest lawyering 

About the organisers  

The Centre of Applied Legal Studies (CALS) is a public interest law organisation based at the Wits School of Law. CALS is also a law clinic registered with the Legal Practice Council. As such, our organisation connects the worlds of academia and social justice through research, advocacy and litigation.

The Student Litigation Society (SLS) advances practical legal education at an undergraduate level with the aim of equipping students and prospective legal practitioners with the skills required in the legal profession. Find out more about the Student Litigation Society. 

Follow #PILMOOT on Facebook and Twitter to follow the developments of the competition.

Advanced Court Practices Moot Court Programme

The Advanced Motion/Application Procedure Programme is designed to address the critical need for South African law students, recent graduates, and prospective legal practitioners to develop essential skills in motion/application drafting and procedure. Recognizing the shortcomings of current training methods, which often leave graduates ill-prepared for the demands of legal practice, this programme aims to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their careers.

Key Challenges

  • Lack of practical training: Many law graduates and candidate attorneys lack sufficient practical experience in drafting motion/application documents.
  • Overreliance on templates: Limited understanding of the core elements of legal drafting can lead to excessive reliance on templates, hindering the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Limited exposure to real-world scenarios: Insufficient opportunities to apply knowledge in simulated or real-world court proceedings can hinder the development of practical skills.

Programme Benefits

  • Enhanced drafting skills: Participants will develop a deep understanding of the principles and techniques involved in drafting various motion/application documents.
  • Practical application: Through simulated court proceedings, participants will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a realistic setting.
  • Job readiness: The programme will equip participants with the skills and experience sought by employers, making them more marketable in the legal job market.
  • Networking opportunities: Participants will have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and network with recruiters for potential employment opportunities.
  • Professional advancement: The programme will contribute to participants' professional development and long-term career success.

Programme Highlights

  • Comprehensive coverage: The programme will cover a wide range of motion/application procedures.
  • Hands-on experience: Participants will actively participate in drafting exercises and simulated court proceedings.
  • Expert guidance: The programme will be led by experienced legal professionals who will provide valuable insights and guidance.
  • Job readiness component: The programme will incorporate elements that will prepare participants for the job market, such as resume workshops and interview preparation.

Collaboration with Recruiters

The Advanced Motion/Application Procedure Programme is committed to building a sustainable talent pool of skilled lawyers. We collaborate with leading recruiters to identify and connect talented individuals with potential employment opportunities.

By participating in this programme, you will gain a competitive edge in the legal profession and set yourself up for a successful career.