The annual advocacy showdown run by BPP University Law School (BPP) saw 96 undergraduates from 25 of the UK’s top universities do battle in a series of regional heats, with 12 eventually making it through to the final held on the 23 March at London’s Old Bailey.

For the final, students were split into groups of two for a mock criminal trial in the morning and a mock civil trial in the afternoon. Tristan, who secured first place in the final, has been awarded a £6,000 scholarship towards his Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) at BPP. In response to his victory, Tristan said:

“I am absolutely delighted to win the BPP Advocate of the Year competition, it was a privilege to get to perform advocacy in the Old Bailey, this experience brought the trials to life, and made it all feel very real, as did the wonderful actors and actresses. The hugely generous scholarship will go a long way in helping me fund the BPTC, and I’m looking forward to continuing my advocacy development during my BPTC year."

Tristan also credited his time at King's for his success in the competition:

"Studying at King’s has placed me right in the heart of the legal hub in London, providing me with access to a great range of legal opportunities. King’s is full of great societies, and in particular, special credit must go to KCL’s fantastic Bar and Mooting Society which has greatly helped me develop my legal skills, particularly as a non-law student, and which entered me into this competition. 

Studying History provides me with a range of transferable skills. Ultimately, the ability to form an argument and interrogate evidence is something which History has taught me, and which I was able to use in this competition. The network of individuals King’s places you in, both in terms of students from all degrees, and staff, is one which supports you throughout, and which celebrates your achievements with you.”