Durham Law School celebrates an outstanding performance by Angela Fantian Meng and Jia Qi Ang (both LLB students), who secured the runner-up position at the 14th Annual Southampton National Moot Competition.
The Durham team demonstrated exceptional advocacy and adaptability throughout all five rounds of the competition.
Teams from universities nationwide competed across five rounds, with the top eight advancing to knockout stages. This year’s moot centered on intricate issues in commercial law, including consideration and the enforceability of No-Oral-Modification (NOM) clauses in contracts —a topic of significant contemporary relevance in commercial practice. Participants were challenged to argue both sides of the case, testing their adaptability and mastery of legal principles. Durham faced the University of Leeds in a fiercely contested final, presenting before a panel of distinguished barristers Fatima Amedu, Lorraine Aboagye, and Derek Marshall. The team’s clarity, analytical rigor, and poised responses to judicial interventions earned high praise.
Reflecting on the experience, Angela commented, “Representing Durham in this competition has been an honour. The opportunity to engage in complex legal argumentation before such esteemed judges has been deeply rewarding, and I have gained invaluable insights that will undoubtedly shape my future advocacy.”
Jia Qi added, “This competition has been an exceptional learning experience, allowing me to refine my advocacy skills in a truly rigorous setting. I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate before such a distinguished panel and to gain meaningful feedback."
Angela and Jia are both members of the Durham University Mooting Society.
More about the Durham University Mooting Society here.
More about Durham Law School here.