Durham University Bar Society first Speed Moot in Durham with Middle Temple

On 11 February 2026, Durham University Bar Society was proud to host its first ‘Speed Moot’ in collaboration with the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. The event brought together 55 students with a shared interest in advocacy and the Bar, underscoring the strength of Durham’s advocacy opportunities and its close relationship with the Inns of Court.

The Speed Moot format required participants to prepare and deliver appellate submissions under strict time constraints before panels comprising practising barristers and members of the judiciary. The evening replicated the intensity and discipline of real court proceedings, with students receiving detailed, constructive feedback on their submissions.

We were honoured to welcome Middle Templers, Master Gerrard McDermott KC, Charles Morgan, Gemma Davies, and Vince Ward as judges. Their generosity in travelling from London and giving their time ensured that students benefited from practitioners engaged in advocacy at the highest level every day.

The competition was followed by a reception, providing students with the opportunity to speak informally with the judges and representatives from Middle Temple. These conversations allowed participants to build on the feedback they had received, ask questions about practice at the Bar, and gain further insight into professional life beyond the courtroom.

Andrew Lucas, Durham University Bar Society’s Inns of Court Liaison Officer and organiser of the event, said:

“This event reflects both the ambition of Durham students and the strength of our relationship with Middle Temple. We are extremely grateful to all the judges for their time and thoughtful feedback, which many attendees described as invaluable during the reception that followed. We are particularly thankful to Christa Richmond, Director of Education at Middle Temple, and Richard Frost, Outreach Officer, whose support and collaboration made the event possible. I would also like to thank the Bar Society executive team, and especially Ailís Neligan and Sophie Lionnet, for giving their time to support preparation and ensure the smooth running of the evening. It was fantastic to see so many students engage so seriously with appellate advocacy - particularly those advocating for the first time.”

Ailís Neligan, Vice-President of Durham University Bar Society, said:

“The format really tested students’ ability to think clearly under pressure. It was encouraging to see such careful preparation and professionalism from all participants, and the feedback from Middle Temple made the experience genuinely formative. The opportunity to continue those conversations at the reception afterwards and to engage informally with practitioners made the evening a truly complete advocacy experience.”

Notes:

• More about Durham Bar Society here: https://www.instagram.com/durhambarsociety/?hl=en
• More about The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple here: https://www.middletemple.org.uk/
• More about Durham Law School here: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/law/