August 13, 2025
Chambers celebrated the conclusion of its five-month mentoring programme with ELBA in a much-anticipated Mock Trial at the iconic Old Bailey.
The event which took place in July brought together aspiring law students from universities across East London, marking the culmination of months of mentoring and guidance from RLC barristers. Over the course of the programme, mentees honed essential advocacy skills, deepened their understanding of the legal profession and gained first-hand insight into the journey towards becoming a criminal barrister.
Now in its sixth consecutive year, this bespoke initiative is delivered in partnership with ELBA and is tailored for second and third-year law students from East London. The programme combines practical training with professional mentorship, helping participants build both confidence and competence in their field of study.
The Mock Trial served as a fitting finale giving mentees the chance to put theory into practice in a realistic courtroom setting. Each student showcased their advocacy skills before an audience including HHJ Rafferty KC and the Recorder of London who presided over the trial and permitted the trial to take place in Court 1 of the Old Bailey.
Mentees commented:
“[The Mentoring Programme] allowed me to see the legal profession from a practical standpoint and it reassured me that I chose the right career.”
“One of the most unforgettable experiences was participating in the mock trial at the Old Bailey. Stepping into that historic courtroom and applying everything we had learned in a real-world setting was truly surreal. It brought the entire experience to life and gave me a deeper appreciation for the practice of law, advocacy, and the responsibility that comes with standing in that courtroom. It was a privilege I will never forget.”
“I also want to take a moment to say how amazing Jack and Zoë have been throughout this process. Their encouragement, professionalism, and warmth made the experience even more impactful. They were incredibly supportive and approachable, and it meant so much to have them guiding us through each stage with such care and enthusiasm.”
RLC Mentors for the 2025 year-long programme included: Michelle Nelson KC, Alistair Fell, Paul Jackson, Hugh French, Serena Gates, Dan Taylor, Jack Talbot, Aneurin Brewer, Alexis Dite, Leo Seelig and Zoë Chapman. Additional thanks go to Gilly Jones KC, Hugh French and current pupil Basanti Mardemootoo who kindly assisted with the mock trial.
Find out more about RLC’s outreach work here: [RLC Social Responsibility]