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Published 4 February 2009

A lecture room was transformed into the House of Lords for the second annual inter-university mooting competition between Brighton and Sussex.

The contest was won by Emma Barlow and Matilda Cram, both third year undergraduates studying Law with Business LLB(Hons).

Left to right: Emma Barlow, Richard Schaverien (Partner, Howlett Clarke), Matilda Cram

The moot offers law students the opportunity to practise their oral and written skills by arguing both sides of a fictitious criminal law case in a simulated court room setting - but in front of a real judge. The mooting problem focused on the application of the defence of provocation in a domestic violence murder scenario.

Sponsored by Howlett Clarke solicitors, the moot was judged by His Honour Judge Anthony Niblett, alongside Jeremy Gold QC (of Westgate Chambers Lewes) and James King-Smith (of One Crown Office Row Chambers Brighton).

The winning Brighton students received an engraved silver salver presented by Richard Schaverien, partner at Howlett Clarke, and donated by sponsors Howlett Clarke, Brighton and Hove's longest running law practice. Several solicitors at the firm are graduates of Brighton or Sussex.

Matilda Cram, from the winning team said: "We would highly recommend others to participate in the annual Brighton versus Sussex moot. It was an honour to be given the opportunity to represent the university and further to receive the support from the staff and students who came to cheer us on. You get a great insight into the application of the law, both with the research required and the advocacy involved."

"Though at first it may seem like a very intimidating task, especially with other third year commitments, the overall experience and the sense of achievement afterwards far outweighs the stress involved in both the preparation and the delivery of your case. It was invaluable, not only to participate, therefore enhancing your CV, but to have the opportunity to receive feedback from the judges post moot."

Richard Schaverien, partner from Howlett Clarke solicitors, said: "The standard of the mooting competition was very high and this is a useful tool for students to have for their future careers. The judges obviously had a very difficult job in choosing the eventual winners and the Brighton students should be proud of their success."

The event was followed by a reception and networking opportunity for the 100 invited guests who had turned out to watch the competition.