This semester saw excellent performances in the second round of the McCusker Trial & Advocacy Competition open exclusively to Evidence students. This years competition has had 37 competitors who have all shown skill in advocacy. With a substantial cash prize up for grabs, the competition gathered a lot of interest, and was closely fought.

The competition focuses on developing the advocacy skills required by lawyers. Competitors meet their client on the night and are given 30 minutes to interview them. They then present a persuasive case theory acting as Counsel for their client, examining and interrogating two witnesses in court in order to provide a clear answer to a particular legal problem. This competition is designed to provide students a practical awareness of how the law operates, and to develop their own personal discipline in the presentation of a persuasive argument in a formal environment.

The quarter final was judged by lawyers from Freehills and Corrs Chambers Westgarth who gave students detailed feedback on their performance, providing them with a valuable mentoring experience.

Judged by Justin Jones from Blake Dawsons, the grand final saw a fierce fight between Jeanne-Mare van der Merwe and Kristina Krieska, however Kristina proved to good to be beaten. She produced a sharp argument with strong witness examinations.