Aspiring barristers given chance to practise advocacy skills at Blackfriars Crown Court

BPTC students from the University of Law (ULaw) have been involved in a series of mock trials at the crown court.

Organised by the ULaw Bloomsbury centre, nearly 100 students were able to act as both prosecuting and defending barristers in trials of fictitious theft and drug offence cases. Practising barristers took on the role of judges, alongside trainee police officers and special constables from the Metropolitan Police acting as witnesses. The participants had the opportunity to cross-examine the police officers and hone their presentation skills through opening and closing speeches.

One ULaw student, Jemma Cross, said: "This event was very stimulating. The feedback and the chance to see all of the [BPTC] course come together during a trial was very rewarding." Commenting on the performance of the students, Victoria Hale (practitioner at Argent Chambers) added: "I think the students found it very helpful in gaining confidence and understanding how the structure of a trial works. This was an excellent event allowing the students to find their own voices and styles."

A video of the event, including an interview with the Bar students, is available online.