Glenlola Collegiate and Dalriada School Crowned Bar Mock Trial Winners

On Saturday 23^rd November 2019 the Bar of Northern Ireland was proud to host the annual Bar Mock Trial Competition in the Inn of Court and Royal Courts of Justice.

Sixteen local schools competed for a place in the national final to be held in London next year. Bernard Brady BL, Vice Chair of the Bar Council announced the winners of the Bar Mock Trial and remarked;

“Firstly I would like to congratulate Glenlola Collegiate and Dalriada School, their tremendous performance has earned them a well deserved place in the National Finals in The Old Bailey, London and pay tribute to their mentors Craig Dunford BL and Stephen Quinn QC. Both faced tough competition however and I would like to commend all the students who took part and pay tribute to their teachers and barrister mentors for their dedication. The standard was incredibly high and every participant should be proud of their achievements.”

The Bar Mock Trial competition is a unique opportunity for students aged 15-18 from all over the UK to gain unparalleled insight into the justice system. The competition immerses students in all aspects of a criminal trial, as they take on the roles of barristers, witnesses, clerks, ushers and jury members. Students appear in real crown courts in front of real judges and are assisted in their preparations by professional barristers.

Dr Anne Rice from Young Citizens said, “ for most students this competition is their first experience of the law and this is a great engaging experience that stays with them for life. We have grown the competition in the past few years thanks to the support of the Bar of Northern Ireland and funding from the Legal Education Foundation. 24 schools compete in total from Northern Ireland in the Bar Mock Trials. The upcoming Derry/ Londonderry heat will take place on December 14^th and the winner from that will also qualify to the National Final in London resulting in three schools representing Northern Ireland in London in 2020. ”