Group photo taken at 52nd Annual Thomas G. Zuber Moot Competition. Front Row, left to right: Honourable Justice Moiz Rahman, Honourable Justice Steve Coroza, Honourable Justice Maria Carroccia. Back Row, left to right: Tred Shea, Niro Elankeeran, Jennifer Black, Campbell Wackerlin, Mario Bottoni, Sabrina Ferreira, Kayla Zikic, Taylor McAuliffe, Dean Reem Bahdi, Lisa Zuber, David Zuber, Jordan Yordanov, McCair Tulloch, Laurie Tuttle, Tim Zuber, Julia Ciampa, Samuel Lorinc (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor).
By Sara Meikle
The University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law marked a meaningful milestone Nov. 18 with the final round of its 52nd annual Zuber Moot Competition, honouring the life and legacy of the Honourable Justice Thomas G. Zuber.
A cornerstone of advocacy training at Windsor Law, the student-led Zuber Moot Competition emphasizes appellate advocacy, giving students an opportunity to sharpen legal reasoning and courtroom skills.
This year, 104 students participated in the preliminary round, supported by nearly 100 first-year student volunteers who served as clerks, videographers and court services assistants.
The event’s success reflected months of preparation by the 2025 Zuber Moot Committee: Julia Ciampa, Sabrina Ferreira, Mario Bottoni, Samuel Lorinc and Campbell Wackerlin. Their leadership created an engaging experience for participants and guests.
Faculty advisors to the committee, Maggie Liddle-Kwan and Ruth Kuras, provided guidance throughout the process, helping maintain the tradition of excellence that defines the moot.
“For more than five decades, the Zuber Moot has stood as a testament to the Honourable Justice Zuber’s unwavering commitment to education, integrity, justice, professionalism, scholarly approach and practical wisdom,” said Kuras.
An esteemed panel presided over the final round: The Honourable Justice Steve Coroza and the Honourable Justice Mohammed Moiz-Ur (Moiz) Rahmen of the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Honourable Justice Maria Carroccia of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Their presence reinforced the Competition’s commitment to excellence and high-level advocacy.
The 2025 Finalists rose to the occasion with professionalism and poise. Taylor McAuliffe and Kayla Zikic represented the Appellant, while Jordan Yordanov and McCair Tulloch appeared for the Respondent. Both teams delivered well-reasoned, persuasive arguments before the Bench.
“The level of preparation and professionalism shown by this year’s finalists was truly exceptional,” said Liddle-Kwan. “Their command of the record, strong advocacy skills and willingness to engage with difficult questions from the Bench reflect their dedication and the high calibre of this student-led competition.”
At the conclusion of the round, McAuliffe and Tulloch were named the top oralists of the 2025 Zuber Moot, recognized for their clarity, composure and persuasiveness of their oral arguments.
Their achievement reflects the strength of Windsor Law’s Advocacy and Mooting program and the commitment of students who embrace the challenge of competitive mooting.
“The Zuber Moot was unlike any other learning experience in law school,” said McAuliffe. “It felt like an immersive course in appellate advocacy, and the mentorship from the Committee made the experience incredibly valuable.”
“The collegial culture and the relentless pursuit of excellence was contagious,” added Tulloch. “It was more than a competition – it was an opportunity for us to assist each other in sharpening our advocacy skills. The experience also strengthened my confidence, clarity and ability to think on my feet.”
Preceding the final round, Dean Reem Bahdi hosted a reception sponsored by Zuber & Company LLP. Faculty members noted that the support of the Dean and community partners is essential in sustaining a tradition that enriches student learning while honouring Justice Zuber’s legacy.
Reflecting on this year’s competition, Liddle-Kwan and Kuras agreed that the spirit of the Zuber Moot remains as strong as ever.
“The Zuber Moot is central to advocacy training at Windsor Law, offering meaningful opportunities for students at every stage, from first-year observers to upper-year competitors,” said Liddle-Kwan. “It reflects the values the Honourable Justice Thomas G. Zuber championed and brings the entire law school community together in that same spirit.”
With each passing year, the Zuber Moot continues to shape confident, skilled advocates – ensuring Justice Zuber’s legacy endures through the next generation of Windsor Law graduates.