The University of Westminster hosted the sixth edition of the ELSA UK Commercial Law Moot Court Competition (COMMOOT) on 15 and 16 March on its Little Titchfield Street site. Organised by the European Law Students' Association (ELSA UK), this international competition, hosted for the second time by ELSA Westminster, focused on contract laws within digital markets. It provided participants with the opportunity to engage in simulated legal cases, present arguments and apply legal principles in a competitive setting.
The event featured a highly competitive selection of national and international teams showcasing their expertise in commercial law. As ELSA UK’s flagship international mooting competition, COMMOOT attracted teams of two from across the UK and Europe, creating a dynamic and diverse atmosphere.
Among the standout participants were teams from ELSA France, ELSA Malta and ELSA King’s College London (KCL), who progressed to the final rounds, demonstrating outstanding legal knowledge and advocacy skills. The competition offered participants an invaluable opportunity to refine their legal skills, engage in intellectual debate and connect with peers from around the world.
Westminster welcomed a distinguished panel of judges with extensive experience in both academia and legal practice. This included barristers such as Miss Gurprit Mattu from No. 5 Barristers’ Chambers and Dr Anton van Dellen from Fraser Chambers. Additionally, the University hosted Dr Raul Madden, a private law professor and admitted lawyer in the Supreme Court of Queensland, as well as Professor Eva Lomnicka from King’s College London, who has decades of experience, including contributions to the development of new consumer credit legislation, and was called to the Bar in 1972.
The Quarter-Final rounds took place on Saturday, followed by the Semi-Finals and Grand Finale on Sunday. The final round saw a competition between teams from Malta and KCL. The Maltese team had earned their place by winning their national moot court competition, while the KCL team qualified for the oral rounds through a written submission process required for all UK teams. One of the KCL participants had previously been a runner-up in Criminis, ELSA UK’s other flagship mooting competition.
Ultimately, the KCL team earned the prestigious prize of a marshalling opportunity generously provided by the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, a longstanding supporter of ELSA UK moot courts. This opportunity will allow the winners to gain invaluable work experience by shadowing a judge and further deepening their understanding of courtroom procedure.
Shriya Gupta, Student President of ELSA, said: “For students, both those competing and those watching, events like this give valuable insights into mooting and what it takes to succeed. Many students from Westminster said that last year’s COOMOOT helped them understand the competition better and improved their own skills for future events. Despite the hard work, it was all worth it because of the impact it had on everyone involved.”
Rsaal Firoz, Head of the Organising Committee for the Sixth Edition of the ELSA UK COMMOOT, added: “On behalf of the Organising Committee, I would like to convey our immense gratitude to the University of Westminster for providing the venue for this international event. It is thanks to you that we were able to host a spectacular panel of judges and teams full of aspiring legal professionals, and I have no doubt that they will think of your institution when looking back at this event.”
This competition directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
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