Two students from Elizabeth College took home the trophy in the ninth annual Collas Crill Moot.
More than 30 students from the island's sixth form schools and colleges took part in the competition in which pairs of students are placed in a mock courtroom trial situation, dealing with fictional scenarios ranging from employment disputes to claims of defamation. All students were coached - and judged - by lawyers from Collas Crill.
Having received the highest points scores in the initial three rounds, it was Catrina Tierney and Emily Oliver from Ladies' College and Isaac Bate and Adam Sparkes from Elizabeth College who made it into the final, which was held at Collas Crill's office. The finalists had to present their arguments in front of three Judges, played by Collas Crill partners Christian Hay, Michael Adkins and Paul Nettleship, all advocates of the Royal Court.
Marked on a number of factors including their court etiquette, persuasiveness, clarity, body language and time-keeping, the students from Elizabeth College narrowly triumphed over the team from Ladies' College.
Organiser of the Moot and associate in the firm's dispute resolution practice, Tom Cutts-Watson, said: "The Moot provides a fantastic opportunity for the students to improve their communication, presentation and analytic skills. Regardless of whether they ultimately look to pursue a career in the law, these are key skills that will help them as they move on to higher education and beyond.
"Our congratulations go to our finalists. They worked extremely hard and were well prepared – demonstrated by their very persuasive and eloquent arguments. This year it was a particularly close call."
The coaches of the teams included paralegals Jazzmin Le Prevost, Harry Round and Theo Hannah, trainee solicitors Jack Crisp, Annabel Bishop, Greg Haddow and Ben Le Page and associate, Chloe Carnachan.
