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Trevor Kestle |
The Sudbury Mock Trial Competition, also known as the Hennessy Cup, is part of the OJEN/OBA Competitive Mock Trials, a provincial program of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) and the Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN). The OBA and OJEN support mock trial competitions like ours throughout the province. The Sudbury District Law Association is also a generous sponsor of the Mock Trial Competition.
This year’s case, R. v. Lavel, involved a dispute between neighbours resulting in a second-degree murder charge.

Justice Patricia C. Hennessy and winning team: Photo by Oksana Romanov
On June 11, 2024, another successful Sudbury Mock Trial Competition took place, where Lockerby Composite School emerged victorious, winning the prestigious Hennessy Cup. Espanola High School also performed admirably, securing the position of runners-up.
In addition to the Hennessy Cup, several other awards were presented, including Lacroix Lawyers Best Advocate Defense Award, Weaver Simmons LLP Best Advocate Crown Award, Miller Maki LLP Best Witness Award and the Edward J. Conroy Team Civility Award. Each team also determined the recipient of its leadership award, “Most Valuable Player.”
From the classroom to the courtroom
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the day was the opportunity given to young advocates in the making to

Justice Patricia C. Hennessy and all participants: Photo by Oksana Romanov
Special thanks
This year’s tournament was also a special tribute to the unwavering dedication of local judges and lawyers who annually invest their time and expertise into this event. Numerous lawyer coaches from local law firms and the Crown Attorney’s office yet again demonstrated their strong support for this event. Special thanks were also given to the articling students and other volunteers from the Greater Sudbury area who have played important roles during the tournament.
Mooting for tomorrow
I have been involved in the Sudbury Mock Trial Competition since 2006, and I am passionate about this initiative. While the phrase “paying it forward” is a staple in the legal profession, mentoring high school students in the Sudbury District takes on a special meaning. We are now witnessing former student participants return to the community after graduating from law school to undertake the practice of law and donate their time and skills to the competition as lawyer coaches.
Support your local high school mooting team! You are investing in the future of the legal profession in the north.
Trevor H.A. Kestle is a partner at Miller Maki LLP, a full-service law firm founded in Sudbury, serving the legal needs of the vibrant and diverse communities of Northern Ontario. Kestle has exclusively practiced family law since his Call to the Bar in 2004. He has been the Sudbury Mock Trial Competition organizer and coach since 2006 as well as the Executive Member (2009-2014) and Past President (2012-2013) of the Sudbury District Law Association.
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