On Friday 8th July 2022, The Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA) delivered advocacy training to 60 sixth-form students aspiring to become barristers.
Chris Kessling, Vice-Dean of the ICCA, and a team of trainers took part in a series of mock trials as part of The Bar Council’s Bar Placement Scheme. The event was held in the attractive surroundings of the new education suite at the Inner Temple, and was the culmination of a week-along programme of activities.
Five separate mock trials took place, which were overseen by barristers and members of the judiciary who gave up their valuable time to assist students in the techniques of opening speeches, witness handling and closing speeches. As well as acting as advocates, students acted as jury members to return verdicts of Guilty or Not Guilty in a case specially written for the event by the ICCA. Additional successful events were held on Circuit.
The ICCA would like to thank – Master Toby Hopper, Charlie Woodhouse QC, Eloise Power, Richard Posner, Ailsa McKeon, Emily Betts, Joe Docherty, Luke Berry, Rachael Gourley and Hena Patel – all of whom generously gave their time to support this year’s advocacy training. We would also like to thank Rose Malleson of the Bar Council, together with Beth Phillips and Cara Fitzgerald of the ICCA, for their considerable assistance in organising such a successful event.
A long-standing programme, the Bar Council’s Bar Placement Scheme provide students in Years 12 and 13 with an opportunity to shadow a barrister (mini pupillage) for 3 or 4 days in chambers and in court, with an additional 1 day of advocacy training and court visits.
The Bar Council works with Pathways to Law and the Social Mobility Foundation to deliver this valuable experience to state-educated sixth form and college students. Learn more about the Bar Placement Scheme.