Jim Sturman KC Moot Final

On 17 March 2026, students from the University of Reading’s School of Law came together for the final of the Jim Sturman KC Moot. This competition has become a highlight of the academic calendar, showcasing outstanding student talent.

The Jim Sturman KC Moot offers a real opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zone and build the skills that will support their future careers.

From the first round, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, explore the realities of legal argument, and discover how much they can achieve with practice and confidence. It is a competition built around growth, encouragement and hands-on experience.

More than just a competition, the Jim Sturman KC Moot is an invitation to all our students to participate in something challenging and exciting, to push themselves, and to discover their inner advocate.

Whether students reach the final or simply take part for the experience, they leave with new confidence and new skills, and a clearer sense of the kind of lawyer they want to become.

“The Jim Sturman KC Moot provides students with a fantastic opportunity to develop their skills of written and oral advocacy in an inclusive and supportive environment.

"As students progress through the rounds, they learn how to hone their legal submissions and deal with questions from the judge. They also draft skeleton arguments and gain valuable feedback from barristers in practice. The final in the Supreme Court is an annual event which is attended by students and their family and friends.”

Elizabeth Conaghan, Associate Professor of Law FHEA, Director of Mooting and Advocacy

Over the course of five rounds across two semesters, students take on complex legal problems and learn how to express their arguments clearly, confidently and professionally. They practise the art of speaking persuasively, structuring their submissions, and thinking on their feet as judges ask questions. For many participants, the competition is a formative experience.

Finalist Halima Mohammed describes her experience of the competition:

“Having my partner with me made it so much better. There are challenging parts in it, and it is quite demanding in terms of time, but coming out of the experience, I am very glad that I took part in it.

"I initially started the competition wanting to improve my confidence and my advocacy skills, and I can proudly say that through all of the rounds up until the finals, my confidence and the way that I present myself has grown, which are skills I will carry with me in my future legal career.”

The final of this year's competition was held at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. For our students, standing before the judges in this historic and influential courtroom was a moment that brought their studies to life in a way no lecture could.

With family, friends and classmates watching on, the finalists delivered their arguments with poise and determination, demonstrating how far they had come since their first round.

Sophia Doolooa, who was on the winning team, shares what the experience meant to her:

“I was terrified, but I am so happy I did it. I think it's very important to do things that scare you, and I feel like this has helped me so much to understand the law, to understand how to speak to people, court procedures. It was fantastic.”

The semi finals were judged by Jim Sturman KC, for whom the competition is named. The final was judged by Ben Douglas Jones KC and Rebecca Dix. Their thoughtful questions and feedback helped create an inspiring and authentic experience. We are proud that two of the judges – Jim Sturman KC and Ben Douglas Jones KC – are former University of Reading students.

We extend our warmest thanks to all the judges who supported the competition.

We are incredibly proud of the four finalists who represented the School of Law at the Supreme Court:

• Sophia Doolooa
• Emma Durrant
• Michelle Hendricks
• Halima Mohammed

Each student showed impressive commitment, courage and growth throughout the competition.

Congratulations to our winners Sophia and Emma.