The first year moot final – the jewel in the crown of the Law School's internal mooting programme – took place on Tuesday evening (28th April) at the Supreme Court before a commanding Lady Hale. The finalists, Lucy Bennett, Rosa Shand, Sam Unsworth and David Lui, who underwent what might best be described as a “baptism of fire”, displayed coolness under fire, and dealt extremely well with what, surely, will have been their sternest legal test to date. In a closely fought contest, Lucy Bennett ran out the worthy winner, with Rosa Shand a close runner-up.
Under the sort of judicial scrutiny that made many in the travelling support in Court Room No 1 thankful that they had already been knocked out of the competition in earlier rounds, Lady Hale commended all of the participants on their clarity of exposition and the way in which they dealt with judicial interruptions.
The day began with a posse of supporters taking a coach from Bristol to the London offices of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, the competition’s sponsors, for an open day organised by the firm’s Litigation practice. Following this, the four finalists and their travelling support repaired to the Supreme Court to watch an absorbing contest on a case dealing with issues concerning the tortious defences of illegality and contributory negligence.
The experience was a reminder that the Bar is an exciting place to forge a legal career, but one that is not for the faint-hearted. It will, no doubt, be an evening that will live long in the memories of the four finalists – and deservedly so. Congratulations to each of them for flying the Bristol flag, and, in particular, to Lucy who lifted the coveted First Year mooting trophy.
The Law School would like to thank the Supreme Court for providing this rare and invaluable opportunity, and, in particular, Lady Hale for giving her time so freely. Thank you to Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, who sponsored the event. Julian Goering and Tom Murrell would like to wish Rosa and Lucy the best of luck in their upcoming term as Mistresses of the Moot for the next academic year, a title all the more fitting considering their achievements in the final.