Two students from the Grammar School Sixth Form took home the trophy in the tenth annual Collas Crill Moot.
More than 30 students from three of 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 rounds, it was Harvey Falla and Zac Cross from Elizabeth College and Tom Barclay and Elliot Coutu from the Grammar School who made it into the final, held at Collas Crill's office.
The finalists had to present their arguments in front of three judges, played by a formidable selection of Collas Crill litigators: Michael Adkins, David Jeffery and James Tee.
Marked on a number of factors including their court etiquette, persuasiveness, clarity, body language and time-keeping, the students from the Grammar School narrowly triumphed over the team from Elizabeth College.
Michael, a partner in the firm's dispute resolution practice and an advocate of the Royal Court, said: "For our future lawyers, the Moot teaches the basics of certain aspects of law and provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the drama of the courtroom first hand.
"It's also an invaluable opportunity for students to improve their communication, presentation, research and analytical skills, all of which will be valuable in their careers or – more immediately – their further education.
"It was great to see so many students taking part but Tom and Elliot clinched the title with the clarity and structure of their argument. It was an incredibly close contest as both teams presented excellently and had a great knowledge of the relevant cases."
The teams were coached by a selection of Collas Crill paralegals and trainees including Jazzmin Le Prevost, Annabel Bishop, Jack Crisp, Harry Round, Jemma Le Sauvage and Rachel Datta.
Back (L to R): Zac Cross and Harvey Falla from Elizabeth College and Tom Barclay and Elliot Coutu from the Grammar School
Front (L to R): James Tee, Michael Adkins and David Jeffery from Collas Crill
