Strathclyde comes out on top at Lord Jones moot

Law students from Strathclyde University have won first place at this year's Lord Jones Mooting Competition, with students from Aberdeen University coming in runners-up.

Founded by the University of Dundee Mooting Society in 2016, and sponsored by legal practice DWF, the event was attended this year by seven student teams from the universities of Aberdeen, Strathclyde, Dundee and Edinburgh, who completed several rounds of mooting on both sides of a Scots law problem before the final knockout stage. Professor Herbert Kerrigan QC, Geoff Clarke QC, Sheriff Drummond and advocate Claire Mitchell judged the morning and semi-final rounds, while Lord Kinclaven, Senator of the College of Justice, presided over the final moot.

As part of the prizes received, the winners, James Callender and Darren Harty, will complete work experience at DWF.

Wayne Lawrence, executive partner of DWF Edinburgh, commented: "The Lord Jones Mooting Competition is a fantastic opportunity for young law students and we were really impressed by the calibre of the competitors and the success of the day. Mooting competitions are a staple of legal education and events like these, which make the experience interesting and accessible to young students, go a long way towards fostering legal talent in Scotland. It's encouraging to see so many confident students who are keen to build their skills and learn from their peers, and we look forward to welcoming James and Darren to DWF for their work experience."

Chris Taylor, of organisers Dundee Mooting Society, added: "Lord Jones was a proud Dundee alumnus and was active in his role as our Society's Honorary President. His love of advocacy was something he was always keen to pass on and his training sessions are well remembered by our members, some of whom were competing on Saturday. We believe that a mooting competition in Lord Jones's name is a fitting tribute and would like to thank DWF, the Jones family, and the Scottish legal community at large for their support in making this a reality."