Mooting triumph for law students

Students from Northumbria have talked their way to success and valuable pupillage and placement offers after winning a prestigious annual debating competition.

Lydia Brodie and Laura Dunlop-Brown from Northumbria Law School were joint winners with University College London in the seventh annual Medical Law Mooting Competition. Organised by the University of Leicester, the event tests students’ knowledge of the law, debating and advocacy skills. The judging panel was made up of Lord Justice Green and barristers from specialist medical law chambers, including Henry Whitcomb QC and Bradley Martin QC.

In reaching the final, Lydia and Laura defeated teams from UCL, Kent, Leicester and Queens College London before meeting UCL again in the final. Lord Justice Green was unable to decide between the two teams and had to conclude a tie.

In recognition of their success, Laura and Lydia have also been offered mini-pupillages with Henry Whitcomb QC of 1 Crown Office Row, and vacation scheme placements with Lime Solicitors.

Michelle Robson, Senior Lecturer at Northumbria Law School, said: “This is a significant achievement and testament to Lydia and Laura’s effort and commitment. To be offered mini-pupillages and vacation scheme placements is further recognition of their legal skills, and will be an experience which will undoubtedly enhance their career prospects when they graduate. We are all thrilled with this result.”

Professor John Wilson, Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business and Law at Northumbria, added: “Given the nature of the competition and the quality of the judging panel this is an exceptional result – both for our talented students and our academic colleagues who have contributed so much through their advice, guidance and professional knowledge. It typifies the calibre of learning and teaching we offer here at Northumbria Law School.