FOLLOWING the success of the mock trials last year, the University of Bradford is once again giving its students the chance to win a smart car in partnership with a local law firm.

The competition runs in conjunction with the law firm Proctor & Hobs, with students able to put their skills to the test at the University’s Lady Hale Court, in a week of mock trials, starting on May 30, which will be live-streamed on the firm's Youtube page.

Lecturer and solicitor Tuiya Tembo said: “Last year’s mock trials were so successful that we have decided to make them an annual event. We strive to give our students the best opportunities we can, and this competition not only gives them a chance to gain valuable experience but also to win a car, thanks to our very kind sponsors Proctor & Hobbs.”

Aneesa Ehsan, who graduated in law from the University in 2014 and is a founding partner of Proctor & Hobbs, said: “We are a firm rooted in the community and this competition provides a chance to support students while providing lighthearted entertainment for the public.”

The Head of the School of Law, Prof Engobo Emeseh added: “The mock trial is aimed at allowing students to develop their advocacy skills in our Lady Hale court which simulates the environment of a real-world court.

“We are grateful to Proctor & Hobbs for generously sponsoring this event and proving once again that they are a firm committed to raising aspiration and talent in our community.”

Trials will take place in the University’s Lady Hale Court, a state-of-the-art mock court named after, and opened by the then President of the UK Supreme Court, Baroness Brenda Hale in January 2020.

Students will take on the roles of prosecution and defence while navigating three fictional - but very realistic - scenarios, including an assault following a YouTube prank-gone-wrong, a manslaughter charge, and a theft.

The candidates shortlisted for the competition are Yacoob Ahmed, Hussain Alkachkach, Melody Amadi, Jennifer Hirst, Odinaka Stan-Ugbene, and Tyler Parkinson.

Assistant Professor Ian Miller, who is also a practising barrister, said: “As a university, we’re proud to be able to offer them this opportunity and to be able to run these mock trials in a realistic setting.”