Budding RGS barristers triumph in mock bar trial

ASPIRING lawyers from Ripon Grammar School have been crowned winners of the prestigious University of Bradford Mock Bar Trial Competition.

The school won the title for the second year running after defeating Bradford Grammar School in the final at the university's Lady Hale court room, marking the culmination of months of preparation — and a memorable experience in a real courtroom environment.

The lower sixth form students, representing the school’s Law Society, secured their victory following a series of challenging rounds against schools and colleges from across the region over several months.

Lead counsel Aiden Ng described the experience as both demanding and inspiring: “It was a great opportunity for us as lower sixth students,” he said. “My experience, especially having been the lead counsel in this final, strongly developed my thinking, advocacy skills, and pushed me to assert my ambition to pursue a career in law.”

The competition began back in December with an eight-team league phase, with each round scored out of 100. Students taking part assumed the roles of barristers and solicitors, delivering arguments, examining witnesses and analysing evidence under pressure.

After successfully progressing through the opening stages, the RGS team travelled to Bradford Crown Court in May for the final, overseen by Resident Judge Rose.

RGS students acted for the prosecution in a fictional criminal damage case involving a defendant accused of deflating the tyres of a large SUV by placing lentils in the tyre valves and writing on the vehicle’s bonnet in permanent marker.

The team argued that the defendant’s actions constituted criminal damage under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 and challenged claims that the actions were justified by concerns over obstruction and environmental harm.

The students stressed that there was no immediate threat to pedestrians or the environment and successfully persuaded the court that any claimed lawful excuse was implausible.

Aiden praised the teamwork and dedication shown throughout the competition: “Our victory here I must attribute to the contributions of the many members of our Law Society, my fellow counsels in this round and the previous, our opposition, our previous upper sixth chairs, and the teachers who have been so supportive despite recurring absences from our subjects,” he said.

He also paid tribute to head of careers Bob Walker, who supported the students throughout the competition.

“Among the multitude of prospects, whether of the law or otherwise, Mr Walker is present every step of the way to guide us not only in this competition, but in all our varieties of experiences,” he added.

Chair of the society Syd Wild summed up the competition as an opportunity to develop advocacy skills, teamwork and confidence while learning how the legal system operates in practice.

Head of careers Mr Walker praised the students for consistently rising to the challenge throughout the competition, developing valuable communication, analytical thinking and public speaking skills.

The University of Bradford launched the mock trial competition in 2020 to give students insight into legal careers and help build transferable skills including advocacy, research and teamwork.