Sixth form students from around Jersey are being invited to take part the inaugural Collas Crill Moot.
The Moot provides students from Hautlieu, De La Salle, Jersey College for Girls, Victoria College and Beaulieu with the chance to participate in a mock trial competition.
The Collas Crill team has been visiting the schools this week to launch the competition.
The Moot involves pairs of students studying real-life legal case notes and applying them to a mock court situation. Participants are mentored and coached by Collas Crill lawyers throughout the competition and judged by some of the firm's partners during the mock trials.
Participants will be put to the test on a number of scenarios including criminal, employment and defamation trials.
For aspiring 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. For those not looking to pursue a legal career, the Moot provides the chance to improve on their communication, presentation, research and analytical skills.
The finalists must present their arguments in front of a Judge (played by some of Collas Crill's partners) and are marked on their court etiquette, persuasiveness, clarity, body language, legal argument and time-keeping.
The law firm has been running the scheme in Guernsey for 17 years and in Cayman for three.
Millie Thompson, Associate, and Legal Assistant Catia Barros visited Jersey College for Girls speak to the students about the scheme.
'It's such a great opportunity to be able to take part in something like the Moot whilst still at school – not many people outside of Jersey get the chance to 'try out' being a lawyer like this – I would have loved to take part in the Moot while I was in sixth form.
'I would recommend it to any students who are even remotely considering it. It looks great on your CV and gives you something to talk about at interviews but it is also a fun experience,' said Millie.
Collas Crill Partner Jonathan Barham said: 'The Collas Crill Moot provides local students with a fantastic opportunity to develop important skills that can be used both in higher education and in working life – not just law.
'The competition brings the reality of the courtroom to life and students are expected to use all the correct court etiquette and language. That said it is a fun experience for all who take part.'
The first Moot takes place on 21 October, the second on 11 November, with the semi-final on 25 November with the final Moot taking place between the two top scoring teams on 9 December.
