Mock Trial Advocacy module: student reflections

The Mock Trial Advocacy module is one of several co-curricular lawyering skills available to law students at Kent Law School. In March 2025, the top scoring mock trial student advocates went head to head in a final, sponsored by Tuckers Solicitors and Vymans Solicitors.

Some of those students reflect on the experience below:

“My name is Sidra Ahmed, 25 years old. I am a Canadian international student, currently in Stage 2 of the LLB program. I have previously completed a bachelor’s in psychology at McMaster University in Canada.

Last year I had taken the mooting module as I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to work on my advocacy skills. I have a tendency to be over critical of my own skills and wanted to gain valuable feedback from professionals. After the mooting module I found myself chasing any opportunity to put myself to the test and found myself signing up for the mock trial module. I like to challenge myself and overcome anything that might slightly frighten me, especially because I know this is a skill that I need to master if I want to be a successful barrister!

The mock trial module was comprised of 4 classes for a couple of hours, where the students were taken through the fundamentals of a trial. We were given a breakdown of the roles, how to prep for a trial, and how to deal with witnesses. There was also an opportunity to work through a speech (opening and closing) and how to gain the attention of the jury. At the end of the classes, students were paired up and had to complete an assessed mock trial in front of a jury and some judges.

I learned a lot out of the class! We were given a whole host of tips and tricks and got the opportunity to work on getting over our nerves in regard to public speaking. Personally, I learned the importance of prep work and how to be quick on your toes. For example, sometimes a witness might say something you weren’t expecting and its up to you to try and get out of them what you needed. During the classes my tactic was to have a list of general questions but eventually figured that it needs to be supplemented with a list of the main points that I need to get out of my witnesses to advance my theory. This way if I lost my place in my questions, I still knew what was left to be discussed.

I was very excited to be a part of the final! It came up during a very busy time for me which made it feel all the more real. I got the opportunity to work with a great partner and found that I was more relaxed as I felt that I earned my spot. If I was chosen to be there, clearly I have something going for me I will say, it was slightly different than my assessment for the module as the witnesses seemed to be a bit more all over the place- there were a ton of scribbles over my notes! There was also a bigger crowd but you do find yourself drowning them out as you are facing the judge, jury, and witnesses.

This experience has allowed me to feel all the more comfortable with my skills and hopeful of what I can accomplish. It also doesn’t hurt that I get to add it to my CV! I am very excited for my future as a barrister and if it wasn’t for the lawyering skills modules, I think I would be a lot more overwhelmed about what the future holds.

think everyone, whether you want to be a solicitor or barrister (or neither!), should take the mooting or mock trial module. It is a great opportunity to learn to get over yourself and become more confident in your communication. The skills you learn are highly transferrable and valuable!

“My name is Humreet, and I’m in my final year of the LLB Law (Hons) course. Before this, I studied back home in Canada! I chose the Mock Trial Module for hands-on trial advocacy experience. I wanted to understand trial structure, develop persuasive argument skills, and argue a case in a realistic setting. The module’s teaching approach really helped build confidence and growth.

Over four weeks and four workshops, Darren and Trevor provided invaluable insights, helping us refine key skills like opening/closing statements, examination-in-chief, and cross-examination. We then applied these to a final case scenario, putting everything we learned into practice.

This module was incredibly valuable. It sharpened my ability to think on my feet, structure arguments, and confidently question witnesses. Being selected as a finalist was rewarding, and the experience of handling real-time trial challenges made it even more worthwhile. The feedback I received will help me hone my advocacy skills further.

The module confirmed my passion for litigation and advocacy, an important step toward becoming a lawyer in Canada. It provided practical skills that traditional coursework doesn’t offer, making it an unforgettable experience. If anyone is considering it, I highly recommend taking this module.”

“I’m Sanvir Mann, a LLB Law (Hons) student and I am in my final year. I previously studied back home in Canada, where I studied my first undergraduate degree at York University.

I chose the mock trial module because I wanted practical experience in advocacy and trial preparation. Studying criminal law in theory is one thing but applying it in a courtroom setting is completely different. The module offered an opportunity to develop real-world skills in structuring arguments, responding under pressure, active listening, and thinking on my feet.

The module covered case analysis, questioning of witnesses, structuring arguments, and handling evidentiary issues. The final trial after the workshops simulated a real courtroom setting, where we applied everything, we had learned through guidance of Darren and Trevor.

The experience gave me confidence in advocacy. Knowing the law is not enough. Delivering arguments persuasively and handling unexpected challenges are just as important. The mock trial refined my ability to question a witness, structure arguments, and stay composed. It also reinforced the importance of teamwork in trial preparation.

Being in the final was intense but rewarding. Every word, every question and speech needed to be confident and persuasive. The pressure made it a challenge but also made it exciting and I am very grateful to have gotten this opportunity.

This experience has strengthened my interest in litigation. Whether in criminal law or another area, I now know that courtroom advocacy is something I enjoy and want to develop further. The skills I gained in structured thinking, quick responses, and courtroom confidence will be valuable no matter what area of law I pursue.

The mock trial was not just about winning or losing. It was about learning to think critically under pressure and developing a professional mindset. Preparation was key.”

Darren Weir, Senior Lecturer and Director of Lawyering Skills, congratulates all of the students who participate in the Mock Trial Advocacy module this year. He says, ‘It was such a pleasure to train and nurture over 35 law students to give them a taster of what it is like to be a trial advocate. I look forward to some of this year’s 120 jurors, drawn from student volunteers, taking the module themselves. Thank you to the practitioners and Judges who gave up their time to play the parts of defendants and witnesses.’