Winning the top prize for the best performing team were Caleb Lee and Ben Madden, both in their second year of law.
The Annual Lucy Cavendish Moot Court Competition was organised on Saturday, 8 February 2025. The judges were our own honorary fellow, Jane McNeill KC and Ijeoma Omambala KC, both of Old Square Chambers. Students enthusiastically participated in the competition which saw more than half of the law undergraduate cohort at Lucy present their arguments during this intense day of mooting.
Jane McNeill KC said: “It was a real pleasure to listen to the interesting and well-prepared arguments of such a motivated, engaging group. It is very reassuring to see such talent in our lawyers of the future.”
Winning the top prize for the best performing team were Caleb Lee and Ben Madden, both in their second year of law. Caleb spoke of how mooting sharpens his advocacy skills and said: “It is always nice to return yearly and see a mix of new and familiar faces!” Ben added that “to participate in front of esteemed judges is an opportunity unlike any other I have found in Cambridge.” Their prize was generously sponsored by Old Square Chambers entailing one day of shadowing a member of their Chambers. Caleb and Ben are delighted to have this opportunity.
The runners up were Ethan Au, a second year undergraduate, and Libby Gammons, a first year undergraduate. Speaking on his experience, Ethan noted that his side of arguments appeared weaker. But added: “Trying to make a position that you think is weak appear strong, in a court setting, is a challenging but very engaging and motivating experience.” Libby commended the supportive environment and how it gave her an “opportunity to test your skills, confidence and branch outside of your comfort zone to see what you can do.”
The prize for the best skeleton submissions was won by Heather Bellamy and Herbie Stubberfield. Speaking of her experience, Heather said that it “has definitely spurred me on in the pursuit of my legal career.” The best speaker during the preliminary rounds was Shakti Jacota.
Dr Poorna Mysoor, a Fellow in Law and the organiser of the competition said: “It is truly a rewarding experience for me to bring together our undergraduates year on year to this competition, where they hone their advocacy skills and sharpen their knowledge. I’m immensely grateful to the judges for listening to all participants patiently, giving them feedback in the end, and for sponsoring the prize.”
With a good number of our undergraduates aspiring to pursue a career at the Bar, the moot court competition provides them with the perfect ground to test their aptitude and skills.