The Durham University Bar Society hosted the Finals of the Michaelmas Mock Trial on Wednesday, 20th November 2024. This annual internal competition provides a fantastic opportunity for students, whether new to advocacy or experienced in Mock Trials, to hone their skills.
This year’s competition was judged by High Court Judge, Sir James Goss, Durham alumnus. The competition was sponsored by New Park Court Chambers, who kindly awarded two mini-pupillages to the top two finalists. The competition consisted of opening speeches, examinations-in-chief, cross-examinations, and closing speeches in front of esteemed judges, making it an unforgettable experience for all participants.
Four outstanding finalists— Crystal Bevan, Harriat Bishop, Richard Griffiths, and Charles Fitzgerald —advanced through rigorous rounds of competition. After delivering compelling opening and closing speeches in Round 1 and demonstrating their skills in cross-examination and examination-in-chief during the semi-finals, the finalists competed in a full mock trial judged by the distinguished High Court Judge, Sir James Goss, a proud Durham alumnus and a Founder Member of the Durham Law School Alumni Association.
The finals took place in the historic Union Debating Chambers, with a supportive audience enjoying the high-calibre advocacy on display. Following the trial, finalists, judges, and guests celebrated with a dinner attended by Sir James Goss, Professor Barend Van Leeuwen, and Associate Professor Gemma Davies.
The Bar Society would like to thank everyone who made this event a success. Special thanks to the Executive Team for their unwavering support, to all the participants—especially in such a competitive year—and to Professors Barend Van Leeuwen and Gemma Davies for judging the semi-finals and attending the finals. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Sir James Goss for traveling to Durham and generously judging the finals, making this event truly memorable.
The competition exemplifies the collaboration between the Bar Society, the Law School and one of its distinguished alumni.
The Bar Society is also deeply grateful to New Park Court Chambers for sponsoring this year’s competition and providing such an incredible prize for the winners.
Photographs of the event are available here.
More about Sir James Goss here
More about New Park Court Chambers here
More about Professor Barend Van Leeuwen here
More about Associate Professor Gemma Davies here
More about the Bar Society here
More about the Durham Law School Alumni Association here
