MTYBA's advocacy program encompasses both advocacy training and an annual advocacy competition, both of which are open to all members of MTYBA
MTYBA runs an annual Advocacy Competition in the autumn term. It is open to all members of MTYBA, and as such is one of the broadest advocacy competitions available, as you can participate even post-BPTC, in those crucial pupillage-searching years (or subsequent!).
The format is generally as follows:
First Round
- Bail application or plea in mitigation, lasting 10 minutes
- Brief provided 15 minutes in advance
Second Round
- Civil application, lasting 15 minutes
- Brief provided 24 hours in advance
Final Round
- Appeal, lasting 15 minutes
- Brief provided one week in advance, and skeleton arguments required
The Competition is judged by Benchers, Judges and experienced practitioners of the Inn.
In previous years, prizes have included bottles of Middle Temple Port, gift cards to spend at The Ivy Collection, and signed copies of books such as ‘Fake Law’ (the Secret Barrister) and 'In Black and White’ (Alexandra Wilson).
The Competition provides an excellent opportunity to polish the CV for junior practitioners and pupillage applicants alike. It has been devised in order to assess the full range of MTYBA members’ skills in oral (and in the final, written) advocacy. The rapid preparation of the first and second rounds in particular are designed to replicate advocacy exercises often provided at pupillage interviews and the reality of fast-paced life at the Bar.
The Final is held in public session, and members of MTYBA and the Inn, as well as their family and friends, are encouraged to attend to support the finalists, and learn from observing their advocacy skills and the feedback they will receive from the judges.
Details of the dates and rules will be posted annually on our events page.