Anna Coomber and Andrew Franklet win 2026 YRMLA Mooting Competition
Congratulations to Anna Coomber and Andrew Franklet of Bell Gully, winners of the 2026 YRMLA Mooting Competition.
Judges Lauren Semple and Sally Gepp KC recognised Anna and Andrew:
“for their excellent advocacy in a challenging fact pattern; their clear and logical argument advanced in a precise and well articulated manner”.
The YRMLA Mooting Competition gives early-career resource management lawyers the opportunity to gain practical hearing experience in a supportive and collegial environment. Participants develop their advocacy skills, learn to present persuasive arguments and practise responding to questions from the bench — experience that can be difficult to gain in the early years of legal practice.
Reflecting on the competition after their win, Anna spoke about the value of that practical experience.
“It was a great experience but one that also felt friendly and collegial.”
She also reflected on the opportunity to gain courtroom experience early in her career, describing the competition as “a really good way to get some experience in the court, when we might not get experience in the court for another couple years.”
For Andrew, the win came as something of a surprise.
“It’s a huge surprise. I’m chuffed.”
He also reflected on the amount of work involved in preparing a case properly, noting that the competition had given them an appreciation of just how much preparation sits behind effective advocacy.
Andrew also acknowledged the support Anna and he received from their colleagues at Bell Gully, who gave them time during the working week to prepare for the competition.
Their manager, Laura Lincoln, said watching the pair develop throughout the competition had been particularly rewarding.
“I’m so proud. The team did so, so well.”
She described the moot as an experience she wished she had had as a junior lawyer, particularly because of the confidence that can come from standing up, making an argument and responding in the moment.
Recognising this year’s semi-finalists
RMLA also congratulates this year’s semi-finalists:
Jonathon Sylvester, Corcoran French
Emma Cornhill, Gascoigne Wicks Lawyers
Reaching the semi-finals is a significant achievement and reflects the high standard of advocacy demonstrated throughout this year’s competition.
The competition depends on the time and contribution of many people. RMLA thanks this year’s judges, organisers and all of the young RMLA lawyers who took part.
