Secondary schools from across the county will be participating in a Mock Trial Competition at the University of Essex, hosted by Essex Street Law with international law firm Eversheds LLP.

Local secondary schools have submitted teams of 12 pupils to compete in a series of mock trials that based on real life cases. The competition provides the school children with a fantastic opportunity to take on the roles of barristers, and even defendants, giving them a taste of what happens in a courtroom.

In addition, pupils taking part will be given the chance to talk to students at the University of Essex and experience life on campus. Members of the legal profession will also be on hand to share their experiences and trophies for the winning team will be presented by Simon Oats, a partner at international law firm Eversheds LLP. He will also be taking the role of the judge in the final mock trial.

Essex Street Law is an award winning volunteer project run by second and third year law students at the University who wish to contribute to the local community. Volunteers regularly visit local schools to provide pupils with a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities under the law in a fun and interactive way.

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Notes to editors:
The competition takes place on Wednesday 4 February from 10am to 5pm at the University’s Colchester Campus. Prizes will be presented by representatives from Eversheds LLP at 4pm, when there will also be opportunities for photographs with the winners.

Representatives of the media are welcome to attend. To organise photo opportunities or arrange for a broadcast crew to cover the event, please contact Aliyah Chowdhury, External Relations Officer for Essex Street Law on telephone:07912 539376 or e-mail: achowd@essex.ac.uk