From Strength to Strength: The Inter-Campus Mooting Competition
The Evolution of the Inter-Campus Mooting Competition
The Inter-Campus Mooting Competition (ICMC) has come a long way since its inception last year. It was organised by the University of Law Students' Union Co-President for Academic Affairs, Jana Holeckova-Francis, Campus Director for Moorgate and Southampton, Aruna Verma, and lecturer and a former District and Circuit Judge, Christopher Lethem. This year, the competition underwent a massive expansion, evolving from a limited event for LLB students into a truly inclusive tournament open to all cohorts and all campuses, including those studying with ULaw Online.
The competition kicked off in September with a record-breaking response from ULaw students. With over 300 students applying to take part, the interest was so overwhelming that registration in some instances had to be closed after just 24 hours. Every campus, along with one satellite campus, and the online mode of study participated this year.
Following two rounds held at the local campuses and online, the competition moved to the semi-finals in February, with four students proceeding to the in-person finals held at the iconic Royal Courts of Justice in London on 27th May. The finals took place in an actual, functioning courtroom where some of the most significant UK and Commonwealth precedents have been decided, and we were proud to celebrate the exceptional talent emerging from our Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, and Nottingham campuses in this exceptional building.
From left to right: Finalist Emily Evans, Finalist Ellie Jinks, Vice President of the Law Society of England and Wales Brett Dixon, Finalist Amelia Bodenham, Finalist Callum Hogg.
The inter-campus mooting finals were presided over by a distinguished panel of experts consisting of a sitting Circuit Judge, a practising Barrister from Thomas Moore chambers and a member of our Academic faculty collectively bringing a good mix of judging expertise.
Participants, guests and organisers outside the Royal courts of justice.
Celebrating Our "Mooter of the Year"
We are thrilled to announce that Ellie Jinks from the Nottingham campus was named the winner. She received the trophy from Brett Dixon, the Vice President of the Law Society of England and Wales, marking a truly memorable end to the competition.
Ellie Jinks of the University of Law Nottingham campus outside the Royal Courts of Justice building.
Mooting remains a vital pillar of legal education because it bridges the gap between academic theory and courtroom practice, helping students develop the persuasive advocacy skills essential for their future careers.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the ICMC's journey!
