In the world of domestic mooting competitions, the English Speakers Union-Essex Court Chambers Moot is Everest - it is the largest competition - with up to 64 teams every year.
It is the most challenging - with 6 rounds separating teams from the win, and it is the one that requires the most diverse skills - each round is on a different area of law. It requires commitment from more than the two primary advocates and this year Swansea had a squad of four student - final years Charlotte Mathieu and Keara-Lynn Douglas, and second years Jessica Davies and Eesha Boby. The 18th June 2026 saw the squad lift the famous Mace trophy for the first time in Swansea’s history and was a culmination of the potential of the students, the progression over the years, and the performance on the day.
The competition started back in February 2026. A bye in the first round led to a contract law moot against Cardiff Metropolitan University. Because of clashes, Keara-Lynn was unable to compete and so Eesha stepped in as lead counsel with a strong and confident performance seeing the team advance against a determined Cardiff Met team. The next round saw the team progress to an away tie against the University of Exeter and a completely different direction - criminal law. A complex question about intention in arson and double mens rea offences saw the students taxed to the limit, with criminal law being neither of their favourite subject areas. In a tight match-up, again, they narrowly prevailed to proceed to a quarter-final moot against Cardiff University who had come through against Gloucester and Wolverhampton.
The Cardiff moot, on the question of ouster and recreational rights in easements, rarely a favourite with students (for some reason!) required them to develop their research and presentation skills even further. The skills on display were clear from the teams and it took the judge a long time to separate them but in the end Keara-Lynn and Charlotte won through to Finals Day.
Finals Day itself was a grand event, with the Semi-Finals being hosted by the English Speakers Union. In a beautiful building, the moot revolved around the applicability of Pigott’s Case from the 17th century to more modern times. Against a strong team from London Metropolitan University, Keara-Lynn and Charlotte received the decision in their favour and prepared themselves for the challenge of the Final- a date at the Royal Courts of Justice against Warwick University, before Mr Justice Jacobs, Louise Hutton KC, and Anna Dilnot KC.
The first test was a coin toss, as both had represented the Appellant in their semis- Warwick called tails, with the old adage being added- “it never fails”. A mark of the dangers of not completing the full quote- I was always taught it was “Tails for Wales- it never fails”- dangerous to use against a Welsh team it turns out as heads came up which allowed Swansea to choose the side. Choosing to remain as Appellants the team returned to Essex Court Chambers who had kindly provided Conference rooms for both teams to prepare in the afternoon.
The Final, held in the august surroundings of the RCJ, was a tense affair, watched by around 40 spectators, but it drew superb advocacy from all competitors. In the end, the law of the appeal was split but the result of the moot was given to Swansea- whose students won £1,000 each in addition to gaining mini-pupillages at Essex Court Chambers. The University were also awarded £1,000 in prize money.
Reflecting on the adventure of the team, this was really a journey that has been building since the inception of the Communication Skills Competition in 2018- early shoots of promise from students like Rhys Allen and Rhiannon Smith, winning rounds with students like Henrietta Gilchrist – all three of whom are now either in pupillage or tenancies at Chambers- and then further development with last year’s team reaching the Final, with Maren Julian and Tegan Bennett. This success would not have been possible without the considerable achievements of those who have trod the path before and helped discover the best road to victory.
It was also a development of potential. The mooters have come from different paths. Keara-Lynn has participated in moots since year one- winning the Inner Temple Inter-Varsity Moot in 2025 and our internal competitions in 2024 and 2026. Charlotte did not compete till this year and their skill-sets reflect that, with Keara’s exceptional forensic analysis complementing Charlottes ability to take complex concepts and break them down to remarkable simplicity- a trait highly praised by judges throughout. Her skill with the rebuttal was also a common feature, with it being remarked upon in 3 rounds that she was responsible for the rebuttal.
Their potential culminated in a remarkable performance and it is a journey that I am exceptionally proud of the squad taking.
Charlotte wrote that:
“Winning the ESU Mooting Competition is an incredible achievement and one that I am immensely proud of. However, what I will take away most from the experience is how much I have learnt throughout the process. Mooting has strengthened my advocacy, legal research, and analytical skills, while teaching me how to think critically and respond effectively under pressure. I am extremely grateful for the unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement of our Law School”.
Keara added:
“Competing in the ESU Moot was an unforgettable experience. It challenged me academically, strengthened my confidence as an advocate, and reminded me how much can be achieved through hard work and teamwork. I’m deeply grateful to all the judges who invested their time and provided invaluable feedback. I’d like to thank Swansea University for the opportunity and encouragement throughout the entire moot.”
Dr Matthew Parry is happy to answer any questions about the Law School Communication Skills programme at m.j.parry@swansea.ac.uk