The Junior Chamber of Advocates (JCA), is an organisation established under the auspices of the Chamber of Advocates. It was officially launched on the 1st October 2013, publicly acknowledged by the President of the Chamber of Advocates, and endorsed by the Chief Justice on the inauguration of that Forensic year. The JCA seeks to ‘bridge the gap’ between the academic development of law students and the practicality of the legal profession, thus creating a closer link between students and lawyers.
The Annual JCA Moot Court held at the Law Courts of Malta, and presided by Members of the Judiciary, provides the perfect set-up for law students to start practicing their Advocacy Skills in a realistic scenario. Participants are given the opportunity to prepare written submissions, examine and cross-examine witnesses and also make their oral submissions before the Court, which ultimately delivers its judgments. In 2017, the JCA organised a Moot Court on the basis of a Trial by Jury, for the very first time in Malta, in which students were also given the opportunity to act as jurors and deliver their judgments following deliberations between them. 2017 was also the first year of the JCA Family Law Moot Court, that offered students the opportunity to take part in a case dealing with family law matters, providing students the chance to undergo procedures adopted in actual family law cases.
Another project, which the JCA Executive Members take pride in, is the development of the ‘Prattika-Link’ which serves to facilitate the placement of students to find the most suitable internship for their ‘prattika’ requirements; hopefully resulting in employment upon completion of the law course. The JCA is also at the forefront in representing students on current issues regarding changes in warrant related requirements, which shall be brought about through the enactment of the ‘Lawyers Act’. Ultimately, one of the JCA’s primary activity is that of organising seminars, chaired by different lawyers, treating various academic topics from a practical point of view.
The JCA has collaborated with the Malta Model United Nations Society (MMUN) in organising an annual international conference in which students may act as delegates in a simulation of various United Nations Committees. This gives students the perfect opportunity to step out of their comfort zone so as to improve their public speaking skills whilst debating current affairs – a necessary skill for all law students.
In 2018, the JCA obtained recognition by the University of Malta Degree Plus system. Through this initiative, members of the JCA were able to receive extra credits for taking part in events organized by the organization. This meant that students were finally recognized academically for going the extra mile to attend JCA events.
During 2019, the JCA was recognised as a student organisation by the Senate of the University of Malta. This was yet another milestone for JCA as it has consolidated its position at a University level in order to reach its desired aims.
For more information, please visit the JCA’s Facebook page, or their website https://juniorchamber.net/. They may also be contacted by email on exec@juniorchamber.net.
Students wishing to join up to the Junior Chamber of Advocates may complete the application form here: JCA Membership Application Form
Junior Chamber of Advocates Executive Committee 2024/2025
President: Martina Cortis
Vice President: Zoe Cauchi
Secretary General: Caitlin Mifsud
Financial Officer: Gianluca Xuereb
Academic Officer: Valetina Stagno Navarra
Academic Coordinator: Michela Soler
Projects Officer: Shazney Vella
Projects Coordinator: Michaela Vassallo
Public Relations Officer: Chloe Gatt
Media Coordinator: Julia Gauci
Social Policy Officer: Emma Abdilla
Introductory Officer: Jasmin Attard
Leisure Officer: Jaime Gilson
Benefits of becoming a member of the Junior Chamber of Advocates:
- Free registration for JCA seminars, held by legal practitioners
- Free registration for Moot Courts, held at the Law Courts of Malta and presided by Honorary Judges
- Enlistment for facilities offered by our Prattika-Link program
- Degree Plus recognition at the University of Malta
- Invitation to our annual social and other collaborative events
- Free participation to all JCA organised activities
- Free subscription to the Chamber of Advocates publication – Law and Practice
- Participation in seminars and workshops organised by the Chamber of Advocates
- Eligibility to attend our AGM and vote in the election of the JCA Executive Committee
To join the Junior Chamber of Advocates, you may click here
For more information, please visit our Facebook page or contact us on exec@juniorchamber.net.
Martina Cortis
President
Martina Cortis is the current President of the Junior Chamber of Advocates, pursuing her third year in the law course. With previous experience in the academic and financial offices in the preceding years, where she ensured that students were provided with fruitful moot courts and the organisation had a successful fiscal year, Martina is committed to further help the growth of this organisation. She is committed to leading this year’s team to further foster an environment which eases the transition into the legal profession. Martina looks forward to see the plans of this year's team come to life and for the academic year to commence. This year, the Junior Chamber of Advocates is planning to go beyond previous events and expand their reach further to students of all years, ensuring that law students have the foremost educational experience.
Zoë Cauchi
Vice-President
Zoë Cauchi is a third-year student reading for a Bachelor of Laws Degree and the current Vice-President of the Junior Chamber of Advocates. Having occupied the role of Media Coordinator in the previous term, she is certain that she will be able to give a helping hand to the other offices due to her experience with student activism. Apart from helping the team overall, she is responsible for Prattika Link, where she works to link the students with the appropriate legal jobs. This programme further helps to bridge the gap between the student and the profession, thus ensuring that they are prepared for what's to come beyond the course. Another important initiative is JCA Gives, where she will be organizing various events with the aim of assisting those in need, and bringing awareness to relevant social issues. Lastly, she is eager to work with other student organizations and see JCA grow and reach its fullest potential, together with the whole executive team.
Caitlin-Abigail Mifsud
Secretary General
Caitlin-Abigail Mifsud is a third year law student and the current Secretary General for the Junior Chamber of Advocates. Student activism is a powerful way to voice students opinions and with the help of her previous experience, Caitlin strives to provide students with practical experiences throughout their law course. This can significantly enhance their knowledge and help the students learn from experts with years of experience. In her role as Secretary General, she commits herself to aiding the executive and advancing the Junior Chamber of Advocates' objectives. Her primary aim is to maintain the executive’s consistency and growth within the law course.
Gianluca Xuereb
Financial Officer
Gianluca Xuereb is the current Financial Officer for the Junior Chamber of Advocates and is currently pursuing his second year of studies. His focus is on helping push the organisation to grow in its size and outreach to law students from all years, giving a voice to the students, and further bridging the gap between the profession and the students, all while managing and maintaining a good financial department.
Valentina Stagno Navarra
Academic Officer
Valentina Stagno Navarra is a student who is currently completing her 3rd year of the law course. In her new role as the academic officer within the Junior Chamber of Advocates, she brings forth a number of valuable traits to the team. Drawing from her experiences participating in several moot courts, she firmly believes in their importance as a crucial tool for the development of legal minds. Eagerly anticipating the opportunity to organise engaging moot courts this year, she aims to provide students with immersive experiences in courtroom proceedings. Through these moot courts, she aims to help like-minded students to engage more within the field of litigation by fostering a platform for practical engagement, thus enriching their academic journey and professional development.
Michela Soler
Academic Coordinator
Michela Soler is a second-year law student currently serving as the Academic Coordinator for the Junior Chamber of Advocates. She believes that her strong organizational skills and deep commitment to teamwork are essential for her role, particularly in dedicating herself to the meticulous planning of moot courts. Michela looks forward to this academic term, where she will devote her time to her responsibilities and collaborate closely with the entire team to bring the vital role of the Junior Chamber of Advocates to life.
Shazney Vella
Projects Officer
Shazney Vella is a third-year law student, and is the current Projects Officer within the Junior Chamber of Advocates. In her role, her primary objective is to organise seminars and events of an academic nature that delve into pivotal areas of law which are emphasised in the law course, as well as other emerging legal areas. With a dedicated focus to providing students with practical insights, she wants to ensure that such events foster a deeper understanding of the legal profession, thereby equipping law students with valuable practical knowledge which will further aid them in their professional journey.
Michaela Vassallo
Projects Coordinator
Michaela Vassallo holds a Bachelors degree in European Studies and Communication Studies. She is currently the Secretary General of the National Youth Council of Malta, further amplifying her dedication to advocating for youths and students interests. Currently, she is reading a degree in Law, and she is dedicated to provide valuable opportunities for students through a series of tailored events aimed at enriching their educational experience. Additionally, she aims to offer support and assistance to students preparing for warrant exams, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to excel in their studies and professional pursuits.
Chloe Gatt
Public Relations Officer
Chloe Gatt, a second-year law student, currently holds the position of Public Relations Officer within the Junior Chamber of Advocates. She undertakes the responsibilities of managing social media platforms, creating eye-catching content, and ensuring generated publicity through circulating the effective organization's message to its intended audience. Having hard working skills, an attention to detail and prioritizing a high quality product, she strives to create content which not only connects with fellow students but also with current topics. Working along side the media co-ordinator, the enthusiasm they show for their roles and the organisation impact greatly the over all product which is sought after.
Julia Gauci
Media Coordinator
Julia Gauci, a third-year law student, is the current Media Coordinator of the Junior Chamber of Advocates. She forms part of the forefront for shaping the organisation’s digital presence and communication strategies. Julia’s role is pivotal in ensuring the organisation’s message reaches the right audience through various channels, fostering engagement, and building meaningful relationships. In collaboration with the PRO, she strives for organisation and high-quality content for JCA’s overall media endeavours. Furthermore, Julia’s eagerness to collaborate and work closely with the other members underscores her commitment to achieving the shared goals effectively.
Emma Abdilla
Social Policy Officer
Emma Abdilla is a third year law student who holds the position of Social Policy Officer for the Junior Chamber of Advocates. By coupling her keen interest in current affairs and her experience in youth organisations, she seeks to enrich students' abilities to apply their legal knowledge to areas of relevance to them. Thus, by producing social policy papers, which provide a bird's-eye view of the effects of current law, potential impacts of proposed legislation, as well as possible improvements thereof, she aims to spark individuals' interests in the dynamic nature of the law.
Jasmin Attard
Introductory Officer
Jasmin Attard a third year law student and is currently the Introductory Officer within the Junior Chamber of Advocates. In her role, she will be a guiding hand to first year students and students who might take an interest to the law course. She aims to help as many students as possible in their journey from being sixth-form students to University students, particularly through the number of events done in collaboration with the rest of the team.
Jaime Gilson
Leisure Officer
Jaime Gilson is currently during his Third Year as a law student, and is the Junior Chamber of Advocates' Leisure Officer. This role allows the organisation to explore a different aspect of their connection with the students of the law course itself, and connections with students outside of this course through collaborations with different organisations - expanding the organisation’s reach as much as possible. With an involvement in a similar background in other organisations external to University, he is eager to explore this new aspect of the organisation, whilst also being willing to help any student that approaches him through their walk within this course.
