Bournemouth and District Law Society (BDLS) has awarded £500 sponsorship to a team of Sixth Form students from St Peter’s Catholic School. The team of ten students won the regional Bar Mock Trial competition in November 2015 held at Bournemouth Crown Court and have qualified for the Empire Mock Trial World Championship, New York City in November this year.
Carol Maunder, Partner at regional law firm Dutton Gregory and President of the BDLS says: “It is a great achievement to reach the World Championships and the Law Society is proud to recognise the team’s success so far. It can be a daunting experience as a qualified professional to enter court for the first time and these competitions are held in surprisingly realistic conditions. I wish them all the very best of luck.”
Luke Herford, Subject Leader for RE at St Peter’s School and the team’s manager explains: “They have performed outstandingly well, particularly considering that none of them are formal students of law. Although they may be considering a career in law, they are made up of enthusiasts studying for GCSEs and A-levels and take part in this competition as an extra-curricular activity.”
The Empire Mock Trial was founded in 2007 by Justin Matarrese and his father, Gregory P. Matarrese. In that inaugural year, 11 schools (12 teams) all from the USA participated in a mock trial competition in New York City. Since then, the Empire New York has grown to include 40 of the world’s most accomplished teams in a competition that is known as the World Championship. Participants learn to think critically, communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with the aim of inspiring and connecting the worlds’ legal professionals of the future.
Team members Chloe Cain, Erin Farwell, Alan Philip and Alan Thomas accepted the cheque on the team’s behalf at a presentation held in the grounds of St Peter’s School.
Alan Phillips said: “It’s been a great experience so far and the team are very excited and relishing the chance to compete in New York. On behalf of the team I would like to thank the Bournemouth and District Law Society and Carol Maunder for their sponsorship which we are honoured to receive.”
