University of Birmingham sees first-ever UK Regional Round of the Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition
Several participants and volunteers of the Birmingham Regional Round of the 11th Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition (HPMCC). The Exchange, University of Birmingham, 19 February 2023. (Photo by Tony Marinescu)
BIRMINGHAM, UK — The University of Birmingham witnessed a remarkable event from 17 to 19 February 2023, as ELSA Birmingham successfully hosted the Birmingham Regional Round of the 11th Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition (HPMCC). The event marked a significant milestone, being the first-ever Regional Round held in the United Kingdom in the prestigious competition's history.
The Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition, initially launched in 2013 as the European Human Rights Moot Court Competition, offers law students a unique platform to delve into the European Convention of Human Rights. The competition, which has grown to become the largest English-speaking human rights moot court competition globally, simulates the experience of arguing a case before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
Linnéa Regnell, Vice President in charge of Competitions of ELSA International, and Sean Mulvaney, member of the ELSA International Team, give a speech at the opening ceremony of the Regional Round at Birmingham Law School, 17 February 2023. (Photo by Tony Marinescu)
Before competing in one of three possible Regional Round, participants of the competition prepare written submissions which are evaluated by professionals from the Council of Europe, the European Human Rights Association, and the ECtHR.
A total of 17 universities from across Europe participated in the Birmingham Regional Round, including notable institutions such as the University of Oxford, Carlos III University of Madrid, University of Reading, and the University of Bergen, amongst others. The competition drew a wide array of talent, showcasing the diverse and dynamic nature of legal academia.
The event was supported by a panel of 30 esteemed judges, including academics and legal professionals like Dmytro Tretyakov, Ben Warwick, and Natalia Sparatu, who generously contributed their time and expertise to ensure the academic quality of the event.
A participant of the Competition delivers his arguments before judges Alex Latham-Gambi, Theresa Lynch, and Lovleen Bhullar at The Exchange, 19 February 2023. (Photo by ELSA Birmingham)
Bethany Game, President of ELSA Birmingham 2022/2023 and Head of the Organising Committee for the Regional Round, described the experience of hosting the event as incredibly fulfilling. The preparation began in February 2022, with the team working tirelessly to draft a competitive application and secure financial support. Their efforts bore fruit with a significant grant from the University of Birmingham Alumni Impact Fund and Birmingham Law School.
The event posed unique challenges, particularly in securing judges due to the large-scale industrial action in the UK during the time. ELSA Birmingham adapted by inviting judges to participate online, offering a hybrid judging experience, which was a testament to their resilience and innovation.
The Opening Ceremony, held at Birmingham Law School, featured Dr Ben Warwick and Dr Meghan Campbell, who spoke on the importance of human rights and mooting. The event also included a tour of the campus, highlighting its iconic features like Old Joe, the world's tallest freestanding clock tower.
The competition rounds took place at The Exchange, a former municipal bank transformed into an event centre owned by the University, embodying the blend of historical and modern that defines Birmingham. The event fostered community and bonding among participants, with social activities like a dinner at local business Hey Brew and a closing ceremony at The Cosy Club alongside Birmingham's famous canals.
Participants reviewing their materials before going before the judges at the Exchange, 18 February 2023. (Photo by ELSA Birmingham)
Prizes were awarded for the Most ELSA Spirited Team, Best Orator, and Best Team, culminating in a celebration that underscored the spirit of camaraderie and achievement.
Reflecting on the experience, the Organising Committee emphasised the transformative nature of organising such a large-scale event and the importance of adapting to circumstances. The event not only strengthened relationships within the ELSA Community but also offered valuable volunteering opportunities and insights into the world of mooting to students at the University of Birmingham.
Ms Game, along with her efficient team comprising key players Priya Thakkar, Duru Utku, Leon Mihelčić, Amrit Sohi, Michal Plihal, and Meenal Senthil, was satisfied with the seamless operation of the event. The sound of radio communications constantly echoed throughout the weekend, illustrating the team's effective coordination. Their attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the event was meticulously managed.
Members of the Organising Committee of the Birmingham Regional Round, Board of ELSA Birmingham 2022/23. From left to right: in the top row, Michal Plihal, Meenal Senthil, Amrit Sohi, Leon Mihelčić; and in the bottom row, Duru Utku, Bethany Game, and Priya Thakkar. The Exchange, 19 February 2023. (Photo by Tony Marinescu)
The ELSA Birmingham Committee, the Organising Committee of the Birmingham Regional Round of the 11th Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition, expressed their profound gratitude towards the participants, judges, volunteers, and sponsors.
The successful hosting of the Birmingham Regional Round of the 11th Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition at the University of Birmingham not only elevated the stature of Birmingham Law School but also reinforced the University's role as a significant hub for academic and legal discourse on an international stage.
The top 18 teams of the Competition, selected based on their performance in both the written submissions and the Regional Rounds, will advance to the Final Oral Round, held in Strasbourg, France, at the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights.
