‘Volunteering for a moot was the turning point in my advocacy confidence’

Stepping forward to do something, even when you’re uncertain, is often the key to unlocking the next stage of development. And taking part in Bolt Burdon Kemp’s annual moot was one of the most pivotal experiences in accelerating my professional growth in the six years I’ve been at the firm.

When I joined BBK as a paralegal, I was eager to learn and contribute, but I was aware I lacked courtroom experience. Two years ago I qualified as a solicitor, and with that milestone came a renewed determination to build confidence in thinking on my feet. One of the most effective and unexpectedly enjoyable ways I found to do that was through BBK’s moot.

A moot is a simulated court hearing in which participants argue a point of law before a panel of judges. BBK’s moot is open to anyone who wishes to volunteer, regardless of experience, and that open-mindedness creates a supportive space to develop advocacy skills and test legal analysis. I put my name forward precisely because advocacy had felt daunting and a lot of the work we do at BBK involves attending court.

As part of my preparation, I attended the Times Moot competition as a spectator. Watching the rounds brought home the discipline and clarity required to present persuasive submissions under time pressure. I also made use of YouTube videos for oral demonstrations and online resources to feel more prepared.

Teams were assigned around March, including the role of claimant or defendant counsel, and when my colleague and I were allocated the claimant’s side, we immersed ourselves in research. It was a rigorous process that gave us a taste of preparing as advocates: identifying the issues in dispute, identifying the leading authorities, and drafting a coherent skeleton argument that would withstand judicial scrutiny.

We prepared a bundle and exchanged it with our skeleton arguments a week in advance of the moot. We were told by the organisers that the bundle we prepared was the largest to date, which reflected the depth of our research and our commitment to assisting the judges. In the days leading up to the moot, I familiarised myself with the legal arguments, the case law, and the statutory framework so that my oral submissions would be structured, focused, and responsive to questions from the bench.

On the day, the experience was both intense and energising. Thinking on my feet became easier as I worked through the exchanges with the judges, and I could feel my advocacy improving in real time. Both sides succeeded on a single argument, and the judges provided thoughtful, practical feedback that I have already begun to apply. The exercise sharpened my ability to prioritise points, signpost clearly, and deal with interventions without losing the thread of the submission.

In the costs department, where I work, advocacy is an essential part of our work. The skills I developed through the moot – analytical preparation, concise written argument, and calm, responsive oral advocacy – translate directly to costs hearings and day‑to‑day client work.

At BBK we are encouraged to grow and develop, and volunteering for opportunities like this, though challenging, is consistently rewarding.

I am now encouraging my colleagues to volunteer next year. It is such a meaningful challenge and has given me practical skills that will serve me well across my practice. Most importantly, I had the chance to find my voice, and to use it with confidence.

For anyone who is interested in joining BBK and advancing their legal career, contact our HR team for more information.