McKercher LLP is proud to celebrate a standout year for University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Law Moot teams, supported in large part by the dedication of McKercher LLP lawyers serving as Moot coaches throughout the 2024–2025 academic year.
This year, three McKercher LLP lawyers, Shelby A. Fitzgerald, Katie M. Newman, and Audrey L. Sembalerus, contributed their time and knowledge to coaching multiple USask Moot teams across a range of highly competitive national and regional competitions. Their involvement helped support an exceptionally successful year for USask law students, marked by strong advocacy performances and podium finishes at several Moot competitions.
USask teams, coached by the above named lawyers, achieved podium finishes at both the Sopinka Cup (national) and the MacIntyre Cup (regional), competed at the bilingual Laskin Moot Court Competition, and participated in the Canadian National Negotiation Competition (CNNC), with multiple teams. These results reflect not only student talent, but also the depth of mentorship, preparation, and practical insight provided by dedicated coaches.
Investing in the Future of the Legal Profession in Saskatchewan
McKercher LLP’s support of Moot coaching reflects a broader commitment to investing in the future of the Saskatchewan legal profession. The firm encourages and enables associates to take on Moot coaching as part of their professional development, recognizing this work as a meaningful contribution to the legal community.
This approach aligns with McKercher LLP’s longstanding relationship with the USask College of Law, including the firm’s $900,000 investment announced in 2025 in support of legal education and student success. Together, these efforts demonstrate McKercher LLP’s belief that strengthening the profession starts with supporting students, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities.
By investing time, resources, and experience into Moot programs, McKercher LLP continues to advocate for community investment and the development of future leaders in Saskatchewan’s legal industry.
The Lawyer Experience: Coaching at the USask College of Law
For the McKercher LLP lawyers involved, Moot coaching is both demanding and deeply rewarding. Coaching requires a significant time commitment throughout the academic year. Despite the intensity of the work, all three coaches describe the experience as one of the most fulfilling parts of their professional practice.
For Shelby Fitzgerald, one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching is watching students grow into confident advocates over the course of the Moot season.
She notes that many students begin the year uncertain of their abilities, but through practice and feedback, develop confidence, sharper legal thinking, and a strong courtroom presence. Shelby also finds that coaching reinforces her own advocacy skills.
Moot trials, she explains, revolve around storytelling, persuasion, and quick strategic thinking. Breaking those skills down for students and modelling them in practice strengthens her own approach to advocacy. She describes coaching as a highlight of her work during Moot season.
Audrey Sembalerus emphasizes the practical value Moots offer students at an early stage in their legal careers.
“Moots provide students with a unique opportunity for practical experience and learning that is otherwise rare in law school,” she says. “I take great pride in watching my students develop legal skills that I know they will carry with them into their future careers.”
As an alumna of the Laskin Moot, which she now coaches, Audrey sees Moot involvement as a long-term commitment shared by many lawyers.
She observes that most lawyers who participated in a Moot as students continue to stay involved throughout their careers, whether through coaching, guest judging, or mentoring students during practices. For Audrey, coaching is also a way to continue learning and staying sharp as a lawyer.
Katie Newman brings a distinct focus on negotiation and alternative dispute resolution to her coaching role. As a sessional lecturer teaching Negotiation at the College of Law and a coach of the Canadian National Negotiation Competition (CNNC) team, she values the intensity and skill development that Moots demand.
“The most important part of mooting is being an effective communicator,” Katie says. “That is just as true in my own practice, so coaching is a constant reminder of how we can always be improving.”
Katie also highlights the talent and dedication of the students she works with. In 2025, the CNNC teams she coached placed first and second nationally and went on to represent Canada at the International Negotiation Competition in London, UK, competing against law schools from around the world.
She notes that the experience showcased the strength of USask’s alternative dispute resolution program and provided a valuable opportunity for students and coaches alike to learn from the global legal community.
Across all three coaches, a shared lesson emerges. Moot coaching pushes students, and lawyers, beyond what they initially believe they are capable of.
As Shelby reflects, trial advocacy demands discipline, preparation, and composure under pressure. Through that process, students often realize they can meet challenges they once thought were beyond reach, a realization that makes coaching such a meaningful experience.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
The success of USask’s Moot teams this 2024-2025 academic year reflects the combined efforts of talented students, dedicated faculty, and committed coaches. McKercher LLP is proud to support this work and the lawyers who contribute their time and knowledge to it.
Through Moot coaching and broader investments in legal education, McKercher LLP continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence, mentorship, and the long-term strength of Saskatchewan’s legal community.