The Dreaded MOOT

🧠 Etymology (if you're curious!)
The term comes from Old English “mōt” or “gemōt,” meaning an assembly or meeting — especially for judicial or legislative purposes.

Mostly Operating On Tea
Admittedly, and with no shame, I had reached the age of 48 without ever knowing this word. I had never heard it, never even acknowledged it existed — and certainly never expected to take part in one in my lifetime.
It first came to my attention when I started law school and saw that we were to be taught in MOOT court. I found the word funny-sounding in a naïve and infantile way. It sounded like something from a cartoon — a noise my children might have made unexpectedly, followed by the need for a follow-up apology.
Never in a million years would I have imagined the seriousness of the term, the stress it would bring, or the huge amount of pride I’d feel once I’d completed it.

I mentioned the word for the first time to my girl — a fellow mum and student who was retaking her first year — thinking she would be all-knowing and could educate me in the world of mock tribunals and expectations.

Mum Out of Time

 Her reply? A gaze filled with total and utter terror. The curtain of anxiety weighed heavy; the sheer dread the word itself inspired, and the uncertainty of the protocol, climaxed in an uncomfortable silence.
We, first-year students with limited knowledge of anything court-related, were to pretend to be appealing lawyers and stand in front of our lecturers — who were pretending to be judges.

I let out a nervous laugh. I hate pretending. I hated those pretend games as a child, when everyone played different characters and we all had to tag along in our roles. And now here I was, about to do it not only in front of my peers (who don’t really see me as a peer because, let’s face it, I’m way too old to be) — but also in front of the course tutors, who would be judging my performance.
(Which, let’s be honest, I’ve been secretly judging for months too.)

Mentally on other Tasks
But this wasn’t my first time in front of a judge. Last summer, I had to represent myself at an employment tribunal after being unfairly dismissed on grounds of domestic commitments.
Self-representation is lonely. Not having access to legal advice is torturous. The lack of know-how in how to behave in court? An endless source of anxiety.
So when the outcome came back in my favour, I felt invincible. I had faced my fear of those I held in high respect — and who had treated me with disdain.

Mastering Obligation One Task at a time…
But this wasn’t that. This was an assessment. This MOOT wasn’t going to destroy or empower me — it was an opportunity to shine, to show I had what it takes and no fear of standing up and making my point.
And here came my arrogance, thinking I could just do it. First of all — it wasn’t a solo task. Oh lord, how I hate working in teams.
Yet somehow, this felt different.

My girl was with me. She was just as keen to do well, just as motivated. Our opponents were just as driven to secure excellent marks. I wasn’t a loner trying to do it all. I was a team player, devoted to the success of all four of us.

Multitasking Overachiever Outline and Tiredness…
I didn’t hesitate to throw myself in. I researched everything I could lay my hands on. This was going to be the highlight of the year, and I was going to shine — no matter what.
But more than that, I wanted those girls to shine too.

I’d recently attended a conference where one of the speakers said, “Cast a glow, not a shadow.”
And I felt that this MOOT let me do just that.
To glow — and to help others glow.
To showcase how each of us had something unique and amazing to bring to the stage.

Managing Outrage Over Tantrums.
There were tantrums — not just from my own brood — but we pulled through.
With only moments to spare, we were ready, rehearsed, and set to perform.
We stood proud and delivered well.
I was last. The trepidation and excitement built by the minute. My hands were sweaty.

Mum on Overdrive Totally.
And then the role took over.
I played.
I spoke clearly.
I felt convincing.
I saw the body language of my team responding — and, as I found out later, they had no idea I had that in me.

Neither did I.

And to this day, it remains one of my proudest moments — my baptism in Law.