Moot Report 2026: The Julius Alexander Isaac Moot Experience

Team Manitoba was recognized for advocacy and spirit at the Julius Alexander Isaac Moot held January 30 to February 1, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario at the Ontario Court of Appeal. Thirteen law schools across Canada competed this year. Manitoba’s appellant team consisted of Emily Kalo (2L) and Emily Trottier (2L), the respondent team included Aliaa Al-Saadi (2L) and Sharif McCurdy (2L), and Hamed Sayadi (2L) served as Researcher. Coaches were Olivia Duncan (DFS Kaneski Unruh LLP), and Patricia Bagnas (MLT Aikins), with Faculty supervisor Laurelle Harris, K.C., Director of the Internationally Trained Lawyer Program, Equity and Transformation.

The Julius Alexander Isaac Moot is a distinguished national moot court competition that explores the relationship between Critical Race theory, constitutional principles, and Canadian law. Each year, the moot alternates between Criminal Law and Immigration Law, engaging students in the critical examination of issues relating to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Participants strengthen their written and oral advocacy skills through the preparation of factums and the presentation of arguments before panels composed of leading judges, lawyers, academics, and other members of the legal profession.

This moot is named in honour of the Honourable Chief Justice Julius Alexander Isaac, the first Black jurist appointed to the Federal Court of Canada. It commemorates his legacy of excellence and leadership by serving as both a forum for rigorous legal inquiry and a platform to inspire the next generation of lawyers to advance racial equity and substantive equality in Canada.

Team Manitoba: Appellants

Gaining confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the law’s role in addressing systemic inequality

This was Emily Kalo’s first time participating in a moot competition, and she described it as “a defining experience in my legal education. What began as an academic exercise quickly became an opportunity to develop my voice as an advocate while engaging critically with issues of race, justice, and the law.”

Kalo thanked coaches Bagnas and Duncan, for their outstanding mentorship, noting their “guidance and care were central to our preparation. They challenged us to think deeply, refine our advocacy, and approach the competition with confidence and integrity. Researching complex legal issues, drafting submissions, and practicing oral arguments pushed me to think on my feet and communicate with clarity under pressure.”

Both Kalo and her teammate Emily Trottier were nominated for the Top Advocate award, and Kalo was additionally nominated for Spirit of the Moot award, given to a participant who reflects the values that define the Isaac Moot including collegiality, respect, and collective excellence.

“Justice Julius Alexander Isaac’s legacy of advancing equality, diversity, and justice gives this competition its purpose, and having my participation associated with that legacy is profoundly meaningful,” Kalo said.

As a final thought, Kalo observed, “The Isaac Moot offered lessons that extend well beyond the competition. I gained confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the law’s role in addressing systemic inequality. For students considering a moot, I would strongly encourage taking the leap. It is an experience that challenges, connects, and shapes you in ways few others can.”

Team Manitoba: Respondents

The most meaningful thing a lawyer can do is strive to understand the world in which a client lives

“For our team, competing in the Julius Alexander Isaac Moot was both challenging and deeply rewarding,” said Aliaa Al-Saadi. “As the Respondent team, Sharif and I spent significant time conducting legal research, drafting our written submissions, and participating in multiple practice rounds to refine our arguments and anticipate the judges’ questions.”

Competing in this moot “proved to be one of the most formative experiences of our legal education,” she added. “It reminded us that effective advocacy goes beyond persuasive technique; it requires engagement with the broader contexts in which the law operates, including race, systemic inequality, and the lived realities of those most affected by the justice system. This is especially visible in criminal law, where marginalized communities often bear a disproportionate burden.”

Significantly, Al-Saadi noted that the moot reinforced that one of the most meaningful things a lawyer can do, which is to strive to understand the world in which their client lives. Participating in this moot “strengthened our legal skills, highlighted the importance of collaboration and mentorship, and deepened our commitment to using our training responsibly. We leave the experience more dedicated than ever to advocating within a legal system that is inclusive and just for all.”