Law students excel on global mooting stage safeguarding children’s rights
Western Sydney University’s School of Law continues to shape the next generation of legal professionals by providing students with practical, hands-on experience in advocacy and legal reasoning.
Three law students – Bella Nash, Kaelin Soto, and Molly Quinnell – recently represented the University in the 2025 International Children's Rights Moot Court Competition, held online from 7–16 April and organised by the University of Leiden School of Law in partnership with Baker McKenzie.
Meda Couzens, who is a Lecturer at the School of Law, said this year's competition raised complex legal issues in relation to the recruitment and use of child soldiers in military conflict, and the protection of children during armed conflict.
“As one of more than 40 competing teams from around the world, Western Sydney University’s team performed exceptionally well to reach the Quarterfinals of the competition, where they went down to the eventual winners of the event,” said Meda.
“The team’s success is inspiring and a testament to the skills, perseverance and dedication that our students have for their studies and future legal careers.”
Bella, Kaelin, and Molly undertook an intense learning curve, mastering complex legal concepts in a short time – content that typically takes months or years to grasp – all while balancing their regular study load and work commitments.
“The skills they acquired by being involved in this competition are immeasurable. They worked brilliantly as a team. They have learnt to analyse and argue complex international law issues,” added Meda.
Law student and team member, Kaelin Soto
Kaelin Soto, a Bachelor of Laws student, is transitioning from a career in social work to pursue human rights law. With a strong commitment to social justice, she draws on her experience working in child protection with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).
“Every time, I attended court with DCJ or Crown Solicitors as a social worker, I realised how much I also wanted to work in advocacy but as a solicitor,” said Kaelin.
Balancing full-time work with part-time study, Kaelin took evening classes before making the leap to full-time study to fully embrace her legal career goals.
The mooting event, a pilot initiative promoting the implementation of children’s rights through research-based, practical legal solutions, was a valuable opportunity for her.
“Practical, hands-on learning opportunities have provided me with the ability to apply my legal knowledge of public international law, human rights law, humanitarian law, and children’s rights.”
“Using the knowledge and skills I learnt, and my own personal experiences, was a way to challenge myself and gain a further understanding of not only the law, but also how I present myself, and how I want to present myself as a solicitor in future. I learned so much from working with Bella and Molly, who each brought valuable skills and insights to our team.”
Law student and team member, Bella Nash
Law students at Western Sydney University have the opportunity to take part in mooting competition. They can also make use of Western Sydney University’s own purpose-built facilities to hone their skills.
Located at the Parramatta South and Campbelltown campuses, the Moot Courts provide law students with the opportunity to hone their advocacy and legal reasoning skills in a simulated court setting, preparing them for real-world legal practice and competitions.
Law students are encouraged to get involved in mooting competitions, which offer a powerful way to build practical skills and confidence for their legal careers.
This year, the School of Law at Western Sydney University celebrates its 30th anniversary.
ENDS
3 July 2025
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