PRESS RELEASE
20th July 2009
Judge Gratwicke crowns Sheffield Hallam University mooting
champions in exciting North versus South final
Sheffield Hallam University has won the Oxford University Press (OUP) and BPP
National Mooting Competition 2008/2009. The two winning mooters, Charlotte
Dowson and Christopher Wilkinson, received a certificate, trophy, £750 and a chance
to gain experience with BPP’s award winning Pro Bono Centre.
The competition, held on the evening of Thursday 2nd July at BPP Law School,
Holborn, saw the University of Nottingham pitted against the University of
Hertfordshire and City University against Sheffield Hallam University.
His Honour Judge Gratwicke, of Chelmsford Crown Court, oversaw proceedings and
chose the overall winner from the two moots. In his summing up, he said:
“Every year I’m impressed by the standard of mooting in this competition, and this
year is no exception. If I could have advocates of the quality I’ve seen here tonight
appearing in front of me every day, I’d be a happy judge. It is clear that all the
students have worked very hard on their research and presentation and also on
anticipating the arguments their opponents will come up with, which is a real skill.”
Charlotte Dowson, from the winning team said:
"This competition has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey, further fuelling my
passion for advocacy. Thank you to Sheffield Hallam University for the opportunity
and support. It was an excellent final against outstanding competition."
Lesley Lomax, lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, who came along to support her
team said:
“This was our third time in the final and a great achievement to win such a
prestigious, long-running competition. The standard of the advocacy of the finalists
was very high, and all should be congratulated on reaching the last four of sixty-four
law schools”
Jonathan Clore, BPP lecturer and event organiser added:
“The standard of mooting and enthusiasm from spectators seen tonight has been
exceptional. To win out of over 60 teams from different universities is something that
Charlotte and Christopher should be really proud of and I am confident that they both
have promising careers in law ahead of them.”
Clare Weaver, OUP said:
“It's really gratifying to be involved in a competition that culminates in such a display
of talent. The success of the OUP & BPP National Mooting Competition is testament
to the motivation of all the students who have taken part."
The fictitious mooting problem, written by Dr Kirsty Horsey, from Kent Law School,
was “In the Court of Appeal Supaprint plc v Witherton Ltd” . It focussed on the issue
of a pub chain, Witherton Ltd, placing an order for printing posters with Supaprint plc
which they subsequently cancelled, following an EU Directive on guidelines for the
advertising of alcohol.
Mooters were judged on four criteria; content of legal
argument, presentation of legal argument, flexibility in handling interventions and
overall impression.
Teams wishing to enter the 2009/2010 mooting competition can register their interest
by email at [email protected]
Photos of the winners available upon request.
Media enquiries:
Christine O’Grady, Senior Press officer
BPP Law School,
Telephone: 020 7430 7053
Email: christineo’[email protected]
Sarah Broadley, Assistant Marketing Manager
Oxford University Press
Telephone: 01865 354604
Email: [email protected]
Note to Editors
The OUP and BPP National Mooting Competition
Oxford University Press and BPP Law School have teamed up to offer a prestigious annual event that is a ‘must
enter’ for any student with a passion for mooting. This partnership has enabled this established national mooting
competition to enter its second decade with renewed vigour.In addition to the substantial prize money on offer, the
winners of the competition each year will now have the chance to get involved with BPP's exciting pro bono
programme, giving them a tour of BPP's Pro Bono Centre and an opportunity to participate in pro bono projects
resulting in valuable hands on practical experience.
BPP College of Professional Studies
BPP College of Professional Studies (“BPP College”), which comprises BPP Business School and BPP Law School,
is owned by BPP Holdings plc, a FT-SE 250 company. BPP College is the first private sector, publicly owned
organisation to be granted degree awarding powers by the Privy Council. BPP College delivers business and law
programmes across five centres, Leeds, Manchester and London (Holborn, Waterloo and the City) and has more
than 5,500 students. For more information about BPP College please visit www.bppuc.com.
Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press is the UK’s leading publisher of legal textbooks and is a department of the University of
Oxford.