One of the main reasons that I chose Birmingham City University above other Universities I had under consideration was that it was vocal about Mooting; as a society and as an academic staple in their Law degree.
During my studies at A-Level I was able to participate in a Mock Criminal Trial. Students were assigned roles, allowed to prepare for them and given a better understanding and appreciation of the work that goes into our justice system. I can remember feeling excited when we were approaching the Trial, because I very badly wanted to be assigned a Barrister. I also remember feeling very dejected when I was assigned as a Solicitor. I remember the Trial very vividly and feeling that I could do much better advocating on behalf of our client than those who were chosen; no disrespect intended to those who were chosen, nerves got the better of them both.
This experience cultivated a stronger desire to stand before a Judge and advocate on behalf of a client, or as in the Mooting Competition advocate on behalf of yourself. This year I entered into the Internal Mooting Competition against students from the second and third years as well as GDL students i.e. students converting their non Law degree into a Law degree. I researched into the appropriate areas of law, wrote down what might be relevant, had a panic attack and wittled it down to the bare essentials, and attempted to memorise it the night before, that when I went into the Courtroom the next day, I would be able to impress upon the Judges that my argument was most persuasive.
It was daunting and nerve wracking. There were times through the answering of questions where I was not sure if I was persuading the Judges with my quick thinking and line of logic e.g. equating a parent to a Doctor but I thought that I made a good enough impression that they would definitely want to see me based on my submission alone.
I am not sure as to the reasons why I progressed over others who also made submissions but I am very glad that I was able to progress to the Semi-Finals of the Mooting Competition. I've never made the Semi-Finals of anything before, let alone a Competition based on my own skills of advocacy. I am very pleasantly surprised.
