Aberdeen law students finish in top three at international counselling competition

The duo, Jennifer Baird and Euan Thompson, who are both studying the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice Programme at the university, were runners up to Northern Ireland (2nd) and Ireland (1st).

The Brown Mosten Competition is an annual event which sees law students from around the world competing against each other.

The competition simulates a law office consultation in which two law students, acting as lawyers, are presented with a client matter. The students are given a brief written memorandum that identifies the general nature of the client’s problem before the interviews are held. The students conduct an interview with a person playing the role of the client.

Students are expected to elicit the relevant information from the client, explain the relevant laws, present the client with their options, and assist the client to select their preferred resolution. The interview with the client is then followed by a post-consultation period during which the students analyse the interview and discuss the work to be undertaken.

The interview and post-consultation period last a total of 45 minutes. The students are evaluated against specific criteria that emphasize the use of listening, questioning, planning, and analytical skills in a lawyer/client interview.

Ms Baird said: “I was delighted to get so far against such stiff competition, and was very proud to be in an all-Celtic final! It was a fantastic experience from start to finish, we were extremely well-looked after and it was great to get to know the other nations.

“I really appreciated the professional experience the competition provided with the chance to hone my skills and take on feedback from judges from all over the world.”

This year the competition was held at the University of Kent.