Trial Advocacy
What does the activity involve?
We have designed the activity to replicate the trial process – a fascinating area of legal work which most students don’t get to experience as undergraduates. By enabling you to get involved in trial work early, and develop the skills it requires, the activity gives you valuable insights into the trial process and an appreciation of how it works in practice. It also gives you an edge when it comes to impressing potential employers.
Trial advocacy is a programme of mock trials designed to strengthen the abilities you will need at postgraduate level – and from day one of your legal career. As a student, you'll have the chance to collaborate with external partners and represent the University in prestigious competitions, helping you build a valuable professional network.
You may work alongside local police forces and trainee social workers, developing skills like handling expert witnesses. One key opportunity is participating in the UH/Blackstone's National Criminal Advocacy Competition, the first national mock trial competition for undergraduates and GDL students, which is held in our courtroom. This competition is organised by the University in association with 4 Breams Buildings and sponsored by Oxford University Press.
What skills will it give me?
By taking the Trial Advocacy course, students can develop a range of key skills essential for a legal career and beyond. Public speaking and presentation skills are sharpened as students practice delivering powerful opening and closing speeches in a courtroom setting. They will also gain hands-on experience in cross-examining witnesses and making important pre-trial applications, such as bail, skills typically reserved for postgraduate study.
The course also enhances analytical abilities, helping students to assess facts, identify weaknesses in cases, and make confident judgments. In addition, students will improve their time management and organizational skills, as they prepare for trials and manage complex legal processes. These skills are invaluable in any profession, making this course a great opportunity for those looking to build practical expertise early in their career.
Watch a Mock Trial
Our law students, Billy Dixon, Charlotte Godwin, Alexander David, Amanda Dennis and Jo Uttley take part in a mock trial.