About the Competition
The Walsh Family Law Moot & Negotiation Competition is Canada’s only dedicated family law moot and negotiation event for law students. Held annually, it brings together future family law professionals, judges, academics, and practitioners in a collaborative and dynamic learning environment.
Saturday March 6, 2027
Toronto, Ontario
History and Legacy
The Walsh Family Law Moot & Negotiation Competition honours Justice George Tucker Walsh, a trailblazer in modernizing Ontario’s family law system.
Appointed to the Supreme Court of Ontario in 1978, he led efforts to simplify and humanize family court, championing accessible, efficient, and compassionate justice. Widely known as the “dean of the family law bar,” his legacy continues to shape how family justice is delivered in Ontario.
Launched in 2013, the Walsh Moot – and the Negotiation Competition added soon after -remains Canada’s only national family law moot. It stands as a lasting tribute to Justice Walsh’s impact on legal reform and education.
Competition Format
Moot:
Second- and third-year law students submit a written factum and present oral arguments before a panel of judges drawn from the Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court, Court of Appeal, and senior members of the family law bar.
Negotiation:
Student teams represent opposing parties in a fictional family law dispute. Over three rounds of increasing complexity, students showcase their planning, problem-solving, and advocacy skills.
Awards & Recognition:
• Best Facta (Appellant & Respondent)
• Top Oralist
• Top Moot Team
• Best Negotiation Plan
• Top Negotiation Team & Individual Student
Winners are recognized on the AFCC-O website and in the newsletter. All participating students receive complimentary AFCC-O membership for one year.
Support & Sponsorship
Sponsoring the Walsh Family Law Moot & Negotiation Competition:
The competition is made possible by generous contributions from legal organizations and law firms across Ontario.
Interested in Participating?
There is no cost to law school participants. Visit the links below to learn more:
Walsh Moot Rules – 2027
Walsh Moot Marking Guide 2027 – Factum
Walsh Moot Marking Guide 2027 – Oral
2027 WALSH FAMILY LAW MOOT DEADLINES
Walsh Negotiation Competition Rules 2027
Walsh Negotiation Competition – Scoring Rubric
Important Dates & Deadlines
Walsh Family Law Moot
Clayton Spencer – clayton@claytonspencer.com
Nafisa Nazarali – nafisa@inbfamilylaw.com
Friday, November 6, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.
Deadline for law schools to register for Walsh Moot
(sent to Clayton Spencer and Nafisa Nazarali)
Wednesday, December 30, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.
Deadline to seek clarifications regarding moot problem (sent to Clayton Spencer and Nafisa Nazarali)
Thursday, January 7, 2027 by 5:00 p.m.
Clarifications to moot problem circulated to all law schools. Team numbers assigned
Thursday, February 4, 2027 by 5:00 p.m.
Deadline for submission of Appellant’s Facta electronically
(sent to Clayton Spencer and Nafisa Nazarali)
Friday, February 5, 2027
Exchange of Appellant’s Facta with Respondents
Thursday, February 18, 2027 by 5:00 p.m.
Deadline for submission of Respondent’s Facta electronically
(sent to Clayton Spencer and Nafisa Nazarali)
Friday, February 19, 2027
Exchange of Respondent’s Facta with Appellants
Friday, March 5, 2027
Walsh Competition Networking Event
Saturday, March 6, 2027
Walsh Family Law Moot Competition
Important Dates & Deadlines
Walsh Family Law Negotiation Competition
Courtney Palmer – cpalmer@epsteincole.com/a>
Joanna Hunt-Jones – joanna@normandinchris.com
Friday, November 6, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.
Deadline to register for Walsh Negotiation Competition
(sent to Courtney Palmer and Joanna Hunt-Jones )
Wednesday, November 13, 2026
General Information circulated to all schools
Friday, November 27, 2026
Team assignments and Confidential Information circulated to all schools.
Friday, January 8, 2027 by 5:00 p.m.
Deadline for up to four written clarification requests (sent to Courtney Palmer and Joanna Hunt-Jones )
Friday, January 15, 2027
Answers to clarifications requests circulated to all schools
Friday, February 19, 2027 by 5:00 p.m.
Deadline for Representation Plans
(sent to Courtney Palmer and Joanna Hunt-Jones )
Friday, March 5, 2027
Walsh Competition Networking Event
Saturday, March 6, 2027
Walsh Family Law Negotiation Competition
2026 Sponsors
