Students from the Huish Law School EnRICH programme have demonstrated their advocacy skills once again by winning the South Wales Regional Heats of the Bar Mock Trial Competition for the third year in a row.
This year’s heat was held at Cardiff Crown Court on Saturday 7th of November and the victory means the team will progress to the National Finals in March 2027, where they will aim to defend their national title.
In Cardiff, Huish students were required to present both the prosecution and defence cases in R v Reid, a dangerous driving case, and to also represent the defence in R v Kapoor, a complex bribery case. The students rose to the challenge, with juries agreeing with the team’s arguments in two of the three cases they contested.
Every member of the team played a vital role in the success. Whether acting as barristers, witnesses, court clerks, ushers or members of the jury, students showcased the professionalism, preparation and teamwork that have become synonymous with Huish Mooting.
The team had spent weeks preparing under the guidance of Huish’s very own ‘Master of Moots’, Rob Durdin, whose dedication and expertise have helped establish the College’s mooting programme.
Rob Durdin said:
“I could not be prouder of this team. Their commitment, resilience and willingness to put in the hard work behind the scenes has been extraordinary. Mock trial success is never achieved on the day alone; it is earned through weeks of preparation, practice and collaboration. To retain the South Wales title and reach the national finals once again is a testament to every student’s dedication and passion for advocacy. They represented Huish with distinction and should be immensely proud of what they have achieved.”
Huish students drew high praise from judges throughout the competition, with one commenting: “If I could retire today, I would know that the legal profession was in the best possible hands.”
The team was also commended for the exceptionally high standard of its advocacy, courtroom manner and case preparation.
The latest results build on Huish Mooting’s success since its introduction four years ago, which also reflects Huish Law School’s commitment to developing future legal professionals:
- 2023-24: 4th place in the regional competition
- 2024-25: South West Regional Champions
- 2025-26: South Wales Regional Champions and National Champions
- 2026-27: South Wales Regional Champions (…and watch this space!)
Mooting at Huish is a year-long enrichment programme that goes beyond the A Level Law curriculum. Students regularly participate in a range of advocacy opportunities, including the popular Christmas Moot, where this year’s festive legal drama sees The Grinch standing trial for burglary. Students can also participate in the prestigious Albion Criminal Law Moot and, new for 2026-27, the 8 New Square Civil Moot.
The continued success of Huish Mooting would not be possible without the generous support of its chamber sponsors, Albion Chambers in Bristol and 8 New Square Chambers in London.
Alongside vital financial backing, both chambers provide students with direct access to practising barristers who volunteer their time to coach, mentor and inspire the next generation. The programme has benefited enormously from the expertise of Emma Martin, Recorder Rupert Russell, Jessie Bowhill KC and Lorna Hackett, all of whom have worked closely with students throughout their advocacy journeys.
Through this partnership, students gain invaluable insight into life at the Bar, develop confidence in the courtroom and access opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach. By sharing their expertise and opening doors to the profession, these legal practitioners are helping talented young people from all backgrounds pursue successful legal careers.
Rowena Mudge, Course Manager for Law, said:
“The support we receive from Albion Chambers and 8 New Square Chambers is absolutely invaluable. Their commitment gives our students opportunities that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom, helping them develop the confidence, resilience, communication and advocacy skills that underpin successful legal careers.
At Huish, we encourage our students to achieve more than they think possible, and this partnership helps make that ambition a reality. Seeing our students represent themselves and the college so brilliantly on a national stage is incredibly rewarding, and we are immensely grateful to our sponsors for making these experiences possible.”
With the South Wales regional title retained and another place secured at the National Finals, Huish Mooting now turns its attention to March 2027, where the reigning national champions will be hoping to make history once again – something not achieved by any team before! The road to the national finals starts now…
