Law students get time at the bar in new mooting competition

The University of Reading School of Law has launched a new mooting competition, in collaboration with eminent barrister Jim Sturman KC.

The competition, which begins on 25 October in Reading and ends next spring at the Supreme Court in London, aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of legal professionals. The winners will earn work experience in one of London’s leading chambers.

Mooting involves students undertaking legal research and presenting oral arguments in simulated court proceedings. University of Reading School of Law alumnus Jim Sturman KC, now a specialist advocate and joint Head of Chambers at 2 Bedford Row, London, knows firsthand the value of mooting in developing legal skills.

“Mooting is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop and apply their legal skills and obtain a practical insight into the work of advocacy,” he said.

“The experience I gained on my feet in a moot court at Reading helped to give me the confidence I needed in my journey to the bar. I’m excited to be playing a role in this new competition with a new generation of legal minds.”

The Jim Sturman Mooting Competition will take place across the 2023-2024 academic year. Students from all year groups will compete for a spot in the final held at the UK Supreme Court, where the winning team will earn mini-pupillages at Sturman’s chambers.

The competition is overseen by law students themselves, with four student directors of mooting: Yama Besmel, Amber Farmer, Zahra Navarro and Angel Oduah.

“Involvement in mooting demonstrates dedication to the industry, openness to new situations, and an opportunity to improve advocacy skills,” said Angel Oduah.

Fellow law student Amber Farmer said: “Winning a mini-pupillage at 2 Bedford Row would be the perfect bridge to achieving the goal of becoming a barrister.”