Cooper Lohmus Prize

About

The Cooper Lohmus Prize is an annual advocacy competition hosted by St Ives Chambers in honour of former members Peter Cooper and Michael Lohmus, both of whom were dedicated to supporting aspiring barristers at the beginning of their careers.

The competition provides aspiring advocates with the opportunity to develop their skills, gain practical experience and showcase their potential before experienced legal professionals.

Competition Format

The competition consists of two rounds. Competitors will first take part in a remote 10-minute plea in mitigation, judged by a member of Chambers. The highest-scoring competitors will progress to the final round.

The final will take place in person at Birmingham Crown Court and will be judged by our Head of Chambers, Elizabeth Isaacs KC, together with a panel of sitting Circuit Judges.

No substantial knowledge of criminal law is required. The focus of the competition is advocacy, persuasion and presentation.

The competition is open to all final year law students, PGDL students, and BPC students / graduates who have not yet obtained a pupillage offer.

Why Apply?

• Develop your advocacy skills in a realistic criminal law exercise
• Gain experience presenting a plea in mitigation
• Compete before practising barristers and senior members of the judiciary
• Meet fellow aspiring barristers
• Receive valuable experience in a supportive environment
• Earn a mini pupillage with St Ives Chambers if you reach the final

How to Apply

To enter, email cooper-lohmus@stiveschambers.co.uk.

Please include:

• Full name
• Contact details
• Current stage of academic attainment

Places are limited and applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis. Applications that do not include stage of academic attainment will not be considered.