On Saturday 30th November 2024, teams from eleven schools across Greater Manchester participated in the 2024 edition of the Paul Dockery Mock Trial Competition.
Over 100 students became barristers, witnesses, clerks and ushers for the day, prosecuting and defending the cases of Al Capone (facing an allegation of handling stolen rye whiskey) and Mallory Von Trap (who had allegedly stolen a set of ornate curtains).
The Competition has been running for over 20 years, and last year was re-named after the late Paul Dockery, former 18 St John Street Chambers member and competition organiser.
In the lead up to the competition, barristers from across Manchester attended at the schools to provide advice and guidance to the students to ensure their experience was a realistic as possible. On the day of the Competition, Circuit Judges heard the Mock Trials and assessed the students on their advocacy skills, witness abilities, and how accurate the proceedings were managed by the clerks and ushers.
Following a highly competitive group stage, the final saw Altrincham Grammar School for Girls narrowly pip Hulme Grammar School to the trophy, in a final heard by HHJ Nicholls and Joshua Bowker and Laura Broome. Joshua and Laura having once again organised the competition.
Joshua said: “a lot of hard work by lots of people goes into making sure the Competition runs successfully ever year, but it is always worth it to see how much the students take from the day. We hope it has been a fruitful experience, and we will see some of those students coming to the Northern Circuit in a few years’ time.”
For further details about 18 St John Street Chambers, the Criminal Department and our Pupillage and Mini Pupillage Schemes contact Chambers Director James Parks clerks@18sjs.com or phone 0161 278 1800.