Durham Law Student Wins BPP’s Advocate of the Year Competition

27 April 2026

Annabelle Martin, a second-year law student at Durham University and 2024/25 Employability Course finisher, has been named the winner of BPP’s prestigious Advocate of the Year Competition 2025/26, securing a £5,000 scholarship towards the Bar Training Course.

The national competition, held annually by BPP University Law School, brought together 72 students from universities across the UK, spanning undergraduate and postgraduate study. Following a series of regional heats, Annabelle was one of sixteen competitors to progress to the Grand Final, where finalists represented thirteen universities, including BPP, LSE, Bristol, and York.

The Grand Final took place on the 28^th March 2026 at the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales. During the final, competitors participated in both a civil and criminal mock trial where they were judged by legal practitioners on their ability to conduct client conferences, deliver submissions, and examine witnesses. Professional actors were engaged to play the role of witnesses, contributing to a highly realistic courtroom setting.

Finalists advocated in one of the Old Bailey’s four original courtrooms. They were also given the opportunity to attend an exclusive tour of the historic court, including Courtroom 1 and the cells below, offering insight into what is widely considered the world’s most famous criminal court.