Sixth form students from around Guernsey are being invited to take part the 14th annual Collas Crill Moot.
The Moot provides students from Grammar School, Blanchelande College, Elizabeth College and the Ladies’ College with the chance to participate in a mock trial competition. The Collas Crill team has been visiting the schools this week to launch the 2021 competition.
The Moot involves pairs of students studying real-life legal case notes and applying them to a mock court situation. Participants are mentored and coached by Collas Crill lawyers throughout the competition and judged by some of the firm’s partners during the mock trials.
For aspiring lawyers the Moot teaches the basics of certain aspects of law and provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the drama of the courtroom first hand. For those not looking to pursue a legal career, the Moot provides the chance to improve on their communication, presentation, research and analytical skills.
The finalists must present their arguments in front of a Judge (played by some of Collas Crill’s partners) and are marked on their court etiquette, persuasiveness, clarity, body language, legal argument and time-keeping.
For added authenticity this year the final Moot will take place at the Royal Court.
Laura Smith recently joined Collas Crill as a Trainee Solicitor. She took part in the Moot in 2014 when she was a sixth former at the Ladies’ College.
‘I first started seriously considering pursuing a career in law when I took part in the CC Moot whilst in sixth form. Not many people outside of Guernsey get the chance to ‘try out’ being a lawyer like this – and I would recommend it to any students who are even remotely considering it,’ she said.
‘It’s a really brilliant way to practice public speaking in a supportive environment, and that experience is invaluable at university and beyond, no matter what subject you study or job you end up going into.’
Last year 46 students took part in the three-round competition where they were put to the test on a number of scenarios including criminal, employment and defamation trials.
The Ladies’ College and Elizabeth College reached the final, with Elizabeth College taking home the Moot trophy.
The 2021 Collas Crill Moot is being organised by Legal Assistant Kayleigh Oliver and Trainee Solicitor Jess Burgess.
Collas Crill’s Training Principal and Group Partner Michael Morris said: ‘Mooting has been part of training lawyers for centuries and the Collas Crill Moot provides local students with a fantastic opportunity to develop important skills that can be used both in higher education and in working life The competition is designed to be fun and really brings the courtroom to life for those taking part.’
The first Moot takes place on 20th October, the second on 10th November, the third on 24th November with the final Moot on 8th December, followed by a prize giving for all of this year’s participants.
