The Chisholm Catholic College Mock Trial Team, ‘Dennis Denutoes’, has secured its place in the Grand Final of the Law Society of Western Australia’s Mock Trial Competition, following a thrilling two-point victory over St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School in the semi-final.

Competing as the Claimant in Lockwood v Pierce, the team faced an exceptionally close contest, ultimately securing victory by just two points after an impressive display of preparation, advocacy and teamwork.

The semi-final was held before an actual Magistrate, who was highly impressed by the performance of both teams. In an extraordinary endorsement of the students’ advocacy skills, the Magistrate commented that their standard of performance was better than that of some lawyers she sees practising day in and day out, despite those lawyers having years of professional experience. The Chisholm team certainly rose to the occasion.

Our barristers, Eleni Chapman and Jayden Pham, delivered confident openings and closings and executed their cross-examinations with precision, following the ‘staircase methodology’ taught by our Coach, Hon John McKechnie KC AO. The team’s witnesses, Hannah Pollitt and Andrea Mandujano Liu, were equally impressive, holding their ground throughout cross-examination and, in John’s words, “not giving an inch.”

Behind the advocates in the courtroom was an equally important team effort. Our instructing solicitor, Annika Rendall, performed her role to an exceptionally high standard, while our court orderly, Ethan Lim, ensured that the proceedings ran smoothly and professionally.

It is also important to recognise the contribution of our two reserve students, Emma Dean and Benjamin Wilathgamuwa, who have been an integral part of the team throughout the competition. While they may not have had the opportunity to take the stand on competition day, they have put in the same hours of preparation, attended meetings, worked through the case materials and helped their teammates prepare for every stage of the competition. Their contribution behind the scenes has been every bit as important to the team’s success and they deserve to share in this achievement.

This success is a testament to the significant work of Hon John McKechnie KC AO, whose expertise, guidance and tireless coaching have been instrumental in developing the team throughout the competition. We are also incredibly grateful to Mr Jamie Gotti, whose support and involvement throughout the finals season has been an important part of the team’s success.

A special acknowledgement must also go to Ms Natasha Clark, who has played a significant role in the development of this team. Natasha worked with the students throughout this year’s qualifying rounds, but her contribution extends well beyond the 2026 competition. Over previous years, she has worked with many of the students in this team, helping to develop their advocacy, courtroom confidence and Mock Trial skills. The strength of this team is, in no small part, a reflection of that sustained investment in their development.

Following the semi-final, the team was given special permission from the Chief Justice of Western Australia to take a team photograph inside Courtroom 1 of the Supreme Court, a particularly memorable privilege given that photography is not normally permitted inside the courtroom.

Now, just one case stands between Chisholm and the title. The Mock Trial Grand Final will be held on 29 October at the Supreme Court of Western Australia, where our students will compete against the final remaining team, Presbyterian Ladies’ College, from a field of 122 schools.

Mr Ryan Dhue
Head of Humanities & Social Sciences