UCD law team triumph at 13th National Moot Court Competition
Posted 30 November 2022
Méabh de Courcy MacDonnell, Robert O’Sullivan, Ms Justice Carmel Stewart, Mr Justice John McMenamin, Tom Casey and Hugh Joyce
A team from the UCD Sutherland School of Law has won this year’s National Moot Court Competition.
Méabh de Courcy MacDonnell and Robert O’Sullivan, BCL, Stage 4, and Hugh Joyce, Business and Law, Stage 4, were named the winners at the annual inter-law school clash after beating fellow finalists Dublin City University.
The three final year students made their winning submissions at the Criminal Courts of Justice with 26 teams from across Ireland and the UK competing to showcase their skills before prominent members of the legal profession, including a Supreme Court Judge.
They were coached by (opens in a new window)Associate Professor James McDermott, a practising barrister and lecturer at the UCD Sutherland School of Law.
(opens in a new window)Professor Laurent Pech, Dean of UCD’s Sutherland School of Law said: “Win or lose, we are proud of our students for competing in national and international mooting competitions. It is that much more fulfilling to see their hard work, and that of their coach, pay off in a win.”
The final was held in front of a judging panel of Mr Justice John McMenamin of the Supreme Court, Ms Justice Carmel Stewart of the High Court and Tom Casey, partner at A&L Goodbody Solicitors, who sponsored the event.
Hosted by DCU, and led by Dr Aisling de Paor from the university’s School of Law and Government, this year’s competition featured the largest number of competing teams to date.
“The benefit and impact for students is significant - participation in this competition develops practical skills in advocacy, oral argument and legal thinking - all essential skills for future lawyers,” she said.
“Such experiential learning activities also fosters valuable transferable skills such as team work, communication and confidence that students will use in all aspects of their lives.
“It is also a very enjoyable way for students to experience law in action, to gain an insight into the practical legal environment and to have the opportunity to engage with the judiciary and wider legal profession."
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
