They are one of only two teams selected to represent the UK in the finals at The Hague, home of international law and arbitration, in June.
Their entry to the international round follows a successful written submission which was judged best in the country.
Lecturer in Law Mohammad Heidari took part as a student last year when the team achieved second place nationally and also got to compete at The Hague.
He said: “I have to say I am so proud of this year’s team. Last year, we placed second and were given areas of improvement but this year they were given no recommendations which is a fantastic achievement!”
Despite being a post graduate level competition, the Staffordshire University team includes four undergraduates. Leona Shala, Harry Gabell and Priscilla de Paula are in their second year of the LLB Law degree while Faith Saville is in her final year. Kirsty Bowler is studying a Master’s in Legal Practice.
They had just one week to submit their entry in response to a problem scenario and met in the library every day to complete it on time.
Kirsty explained: “We have a range of different experiences, so I think that’s why they wanted us all to work together. We work really well as a team.”
Leona said: “We have to credit Moh for staying with us at the library until 6am in the morning on the day we had to submit our assignment! He is very dedicated and that adds to the enjoyment of it.”
Faith added: “Moh goes above and beyond what you would expect a lecturer to do. He knows what it is like to go through the competition and that has been really helpful.”
The team are already preparing for next round of the competition which brings together students from nearly 50 countries to challenge their skills as future international lawyers.
Harry said: “I’ve done mooting before so I know how fun it is. I actually lost that one so you could say that I have something to prove! I did the international law module and it is an area I want to get into so it was the perfect combination for me.”
Priscilla added: “I’ve always wanted to specialise in international law. The competition is a challenge but we get a lot of skills out of it which will help in the future. It is completely different to other areas of law.”
The International Rounds of the ICC Moot Court Competition 2020 include an extensive six-day educational and social program and are set to take place from 7 to 12 June in The Hague.
For more information about studying a Law degree at Staffordshire University visit an Open Day – find more information and book a place here.