A recent visit by a team of boys who have qualified for the final of a courts competition gave them valuable insights into the life of a lawyer.
The 15-strong team of Year 11 and 12 pupils, who have progressed through three qualifying rounds of the Bar Mock Trial Competition, visited the Supreme Court in Parliament Square, where they had a tour and discussed some key cases. They were asked how they would have decided them. The boys then sat at the back of Court 2 and listened to part of a case regarding a disagreement between a solicitors’ firm and an insurance company.
Head of Philosophy, Religion & Society, Jack Robertson said: “The boys were impressed by the formality and ceremony, especially the way the barristers had to address the judge; but they were also surprised at how straightforward the language of the barristers was; they were very clear and easy to understand.”
In addition, the group enjoyed a look around the Royal Courts of Justice in Fleet Street, before walking through Middle Temple, one of the Inns of Court, and a potential future workplace for those considering a career as a barrister. The boys were able to watch part of a second case, where a man was accused of possession of cannabis with intent to supply.
“The boys found the experience inspiring and it undoubtedly gave them an excellent understanding of life as a barrister or solicitor,” said Mr Robertson. “They were able to watch skilled barristers and judges at work, and get a feel for the locations and buildings this work takes place in. There is no doubt it will help them when they participate in the final of the mock trial competition in Cardiff next month.”