Just a few months after matriculating as Corpus law students, Libby Evans and Jacob Simmonds have taken first and second place respectively at the Cambridge University Law Society (CULS) Fledgling Mooting Competition. 

CULS Mooting is dedicated to promoting the passion for mooting and advocacy among both law and non-law students at Cambridge University. The Fledglings Moot is sponsored by Quadrant Chambers and is an individual moot for beginners with no prior mooting experience. The final took place last Wednesday at the Supreme Court in London.

Corpus Research Fellow and Director of Studies in Law Dr Matilda Gillis said, “We are incredibly proud of Libby and Jacob for coming first and second respectively in the Fledglings Moot. This is a huge achievement for them both and very well deserved. It is uncommon for two students from the same college to be in the final, let alone to come first and second - so this is particularly wonderful news for Corpus!”

For the competition the mooters are presented with a hypothetical scenario which might be in any field of law - such as constitutional, tort or criminal. The students are required to research the relevant law and prepare a written submission called a 'skeleton argument' in advance, as well as prepared a 'bundle' with relevant supporting documents. Finally, they present their oral argument, during which they are given a set time limit to argue on the legal grounds they have been assigned. The mooters are judged on their written submissions, the quality of their legal arguments, their ability to answer the judge's questions, and their oral delivery. Libby and Jacob each progressed through the early rounds, which are judged by CULS members, and reached the final four, which were judged at the Supreme Court by Justice Lady Rose of Colmworth.

Both students enjoyed the opportunity to compete, and in particular appreciated the opportunity to get feedback from the Justice. "It was a great opportunity to speak and do advocacy at that level," said Libby. "Lady Rose gave us some really good advice about mooting and about pursuing a career in the law in general. She advised us to aim high!" 

Libby and Jacob also appreciated the support and coaching they received both from the CULS and also from members of Corpus' own Nicholas Bacon Law Society (NLBS). Alumnus Dom Bielby (m.2018), who himself was a winning mooter, had prepared a helpful guide to mooting. Libby's College 'Parent', second-year law student Harley Chidley was also very supportive. Jacob says, "One night we were both preparing in the Library and getting a bit overwhelmed. Harley was there to give us encouragement. I've found that everyone in the law community at Corpus, including the Fellows, are really active and tight-knit. Everyone speaks so highly of each other and is willing to get involved."

Aside from their studies, both participate in other activities; Jacob plays for the College football team, and Libby has done Pro Bono work for the CULS. Both students are looking forward to their first Annual NLBS dinner to be held in a few weeks, where doubt glasses will be raised to congratulate these talented future lawyers.

Main photo: Libby and Jacob on the right, Lady Rose in the centre. Taken at the Supreme Court.