Young legal minds had their day in court this week, as pupils from two local schools put forward their case in a mock trial at our newly opened moot courtroom in a drive to inspire future lawyers across Scotland.

Pupils from St Andrew’s Academy and Woodfarm High School put their case to the court in a fictional criminal trial during a special schools event hosted as part of the University’s plan to expand and enhance legal education in Scotland.

A total of 26 pupils took part in the immersive session at the Paisley Campus, designed to give young people a taste of what it’s like to study Law at university and practise it in real-world settings.

The event began with a welcome from Professor Kasim Sheikh, Dean of the School of Business and Creative Industries, who praised the pupils’ enthusiasm and potential, and spoke about UWS’s deepening commitment to practical legal education.

 

It was inspiring to see such insight, courage and promise from these pupils as they stepped into the courtroom. Events like this are about more than just learning how the legal system works, they’re about helping young people see themselves in professional roles and giving them the confidence to take that next step. Through our new LLB in Scots Law launching in September and our investment in learning, UWS is opening doors and nurturing the legal professionals of tomorrow.

Professor Kasim Sheikh, Dean of the School of Business and Creative Industries

 

The highlight of the day was a mock criminal trial where pupils were assigned roles as prosecutors, defence lawyers, witnesses and jurors, and brought their arguments to life in UWS’s purpose-built courtroom facility.

The trial was overseen by a judicial bench of two, Isabella Ennis K.C. of the Faculty of Advocates and Jeremy O’Neill, Procurator Fiscal Depute who jointly presided in the role of Sheriffs throughout the proceedings. Following the verdict, both legal professionals delivered an engaging career and legal pathways talk, offering pupils insight into routes into the profession and life in the courtroom.

 

I was genuinely impressed by the level of preparation and passion these young people brought to the courtroom. From their structured legal arguments to their confident delivery, they demonstrated real potential. With this new moot courtroom and the new LLB in Scots Law, UWS has created a space that makes the study and practice of law accessible, inspiring and inclusive.

Isabella Ennis K.C. - reflecting on the event

 

The event also introduced pupils to UWS’s new LLB (Hons) Scots Law degree. Developed in consultation with the Law Society of Scotland, the programme offers a professionally accredited pathway to becoming a solicitor and is designed to equip students with both the academic foundations and hands-on courtroom experience required for a successful legal career.

Since 2022, UWS has hosted annual mock court events. Adapting and drawing inspiration from MiniTrial materials and with the generous support of the Faculty of Advocates.

To find out more about the LLB (Hons) Scots Law at UWS, visit: https://www.uws.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/undergraduate-course-search/scots-law/