Law students revel in day in Supreme Court

‘Fantastic’, ‘terrifying’ and ‘an honour’ is how School of Law students reacted to the opportunity to act as advocates in the Supreme Court in Parliament Square.

Our fabulous quartet of Harry Tingey, Lewis Nolan, Marcel Kucharski and Gabriel Wishart appeared and argued before Supreme Court judge the Rt Hon Lady Ingrid Simler in a recent highlight of their young legal careers.

The four had won through a series of rounds to reach this point, becoming the first LJMU students to argue the final round in the Supreme Court. 

Harry and Lewis argued the simulated case one Mr Malbec, injured on the premises of Excellent Theatre in Liverpool, while Gabe and Marcel responded for the theatre, both teams presenting sharp arguments and navigating the complexities of duty of care under tort law, with the Occupiers Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984.

Harry and Lewis just came out on top, with Harry winning ‘best oralist’ but Justice Simler was impressed by both teams: “We had to choose a winning team and the decision has been very difficult for us because we were very impressed by both sides. We congratulate all of you. You handled the questions extremely well.”

Harry who appeared as Senior Counsel for the Appellant said: "The whole experience was fantastic; I would rush at the chance to do it all again. At first, it was terrifying, but we were quickly put at ease and receiving feedback on our advocacy skills from them was an absolute honour and privilege."

Lewis, Junior Counsel, said: “It was an honour to be invited to the Court and to learn about its history. What was more overwhelming was standing before Lady Justice Simler, who is an incredible Justice!”

Marcel who appeared as Junior Counsel for the Respondent, said: “The idea of standing before the Supreme Court was unthinkable at the outset of my mooting journey. I am very grateful for this unforgettable experience. Fortunately, we had the incredibly committed and dedicated Lady Justice Simler, who made us feel like practising lawyers."

Before the moot court round, our students also had a chance to tour the courtrooms and library and students from LJMU School of Law travelled by bus all the way from Liverpool to support their fellow students.

Professor Carlo Panara, the Director of LJMU School of Law, congratulated the students: "Our students benefit a great deal from moot court competitions and develop through these a range of important skills which are essential to the legal professions and in particular for the Bar. I am delighted that our students had the opportunity to take part in the highly prestigious UK Supreme Court Moot Court competition and I am absolutely proud of their achievements. Our students are the best ambassadors of LJMU's School of Law."

Dr Thompson Chengeta, who coordinated the contest, said: “Being able to moot in front of a sitting Supreme Court justice was a remarkable experience. The teams have worked diligently, and Hon Lady Simler was clearly impressed with their skills.”

The School of Law runs a mooting module where you can learn a lot about court advocacy.