Christine Erhirhie, a third-year Political Science specialist focusing on International Affairs and Public Policy, is forging a strong path at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). As co-founder and current president of UTM’s Moot Court Team, she has demonstrated great initiative by creating opportunities for students to engage with law beyond academics. Last year, her leadership and dedication to advocacy advanced significantly through her participation in the 2025 Lions Cup Mooting Competition, an opportunity especially supported by Black at UTM.
“I grew up in a politically aware household shaped by my Nigerian and Filipina roots, where conversations about corruption and governance were a constant part of daily life. Staying connected to news from back home made me question why injustice was allowed to persist, which pushed me toward politics and, eventually, law. That early immersion is what now drives my goal of pursuing public international law.” – Christine
Removing Barriers, Opening Doors
The Lions Cup Moot is an annual national mooting competition established by law students to bring together aspiring advocates from across Canada. Participants engage in simulated appellate hearings, honing their advanced legal research, written submissions, and oral advocacy skills before a panel of judges.
For many students, especially Black students, gaining access to opportunities like this can be challenging. Structural barriers, such as financial constraints, lack of institutional recognition, or insufficient connections to academic programs, often limit participation. Christine faced various obstacles when trying to obtain funding for the UTM Moot Court Team (MCT), nonetheless, she was determined to ensure that financial barriers did not prevent her club from accessing this beneficial opportunity.
“I have a lot of people relying on me for so many different things and when a student wants to attend the competition, but finances are challenging, it really forces you to be resourceful.” – Christine
Recognizing the importance of equitable access to experiential learning, Black at UTM served as an administrative bridge, connecting Christine to the Office of the Vice‑Principal, Academic & Dean who agreed to offer support to Christine and her team. This support removed the significant financial barriers to an experience that was truly meaningful and transformative for them.
A Transformative Experience for an Emerging Advocate
Participating in the Lions Cup gave Christine far more than a line on her résumé — it offered a transformative opportunity for growth as an emerging advocate. Through mooting, she was able to sharpen her legal voice by engaging in rigorous oral arguments, immersing herself in complex legal analysis using real appellate level cases, and connecting with a national network of students, mentors, and legal professionals. Equally meaningful was the sense of belonging and possibility she found in a profession where Black voices continue to be underrepresented, reinforcing both her confidence and her commitment to pursuing a career in law.
Christine at the Lions Cup Mooting competition which was held at the Federal Court in Toronto.
“Every step of the way you’re being molded into the best oral advocate that you can be. You see how many different people moot and slowly you find your voice and learn how to leverage parts of you, whether it’s your lived experience and knowledge or your passion. For me I know that it is my passion that creates my unshakeable voice and that’s the kind of advocate that I will be.” – Christine
Why It Matters
Christine’s story highlights what can be achieved when institutions actively remove obstacles to ensure fair access to transformative opportunities. When these barriers are eliminated, Black students not only participate but also lead, create, and motivate others. Black at UTM is proud to support Christine and similar students as they engage in impactful, career-enhancing experiences that build their confidence, broaden their networks, and deepen their sense of purpose.
Christine preparing to deliver her oral argument.
Christine and members of the UTM Moot Court Team at the 2025 Lions Cup Mooting Competition.
Written by Zahra Ba and Sadie Lewis, Black Initiatives Team – Office of the Vice-President & Principal, UTM