Double success for University of Glasgow Diploma students in competitions

The Scottish final of the Brown Mostyn International Client Consultation Competition was held on 29th January and the topic was “Matrimonial Disputes “.

The team representing the University of Glasgow’s Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, Ilaria Moretti and Gillian McGarry won the competition and will now represent Scotland in the final at the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

The competition provides an opportunity for students who take part to receive training from members of the legal profession and build on the skills developed during the Diploma, including interviewing and counselling skills.

In advance of the consultation, students are given brief details relating to the “client’s” visit, and then require to interview the client to obtain all relevant facts to ascertain what the problem is, and thereafter provide advice on how to resolve the problem.

The international competition is an annual competition for the winners of national competitions across the world. In addition to offering students the opportunity to further develop core legal skills, it provides a fantastic opportunity to meet and develop networks with aspiring lawyers from across the globe.

On 3rd February, Lord Matthews judged the Sheriff’s Moot between teams from the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde at Glasgow Sheriff Court. The University of Glasgow was represented by Craig Macleod, who is currently undertaking the Diploma and Christopher Rae, a third year undergraduate student.

The case involved a delictual problem: whether the Scottish Ambulance Service owed a non-delegable duty of care in negligence to a patient, and if so, whether the scope of that duty extended to an omission. Both teams argued their positions well but Lord Matthews judged that Glasgow won the Appeal.

Eileen Paterson, director (operations) said: “I am absolutely delighted that our students have taken part and been successful in these competitions. Thanks must also go to the other competitors, and to those who give of their time to train, support and host students in these extra-curricular activities.”