“The trip began with a 9am train journey, fuelled by homemade gingerbread, to visit the firm King & Spalding. Here we were able to talk to solicitors and practice negotiation, a skill useful for applications and practice of law more broadly.” - Zoe Kuyken (3rd year Law Student)

After a quick walking tour past St Paul’s Cathedral and the Millennium bridge, we arrived at King & Spalding’s offices.

“We were met by some of the partners, who gave a presentation about the firm, its history, and its ethos compared to other commercial law firms. A highlight of the visit to King & Spalding, though, was being given the opportunity to take part in a debate/negotiation exercise (which was used as an example of how selection may be conducted). Everyone got stuck in and into character and the debate was a really fun activity which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. We also received some really good feedback at the end! After having lunch at the firm and taking the opportunity to talk to the partners, we set off for the Supreme Court.” - Beth Jones (2nd Year Law Student)

“The workshop at King & Spalding was very insightful, teaching us to how to structure arguments in a group negotiation: a scenario we are not usually exposed to, but which is a part of everyday life in business. The feedback from this session allowed us to appreciate the importance of cooperation skills as well as leadership during a negotiation exercise.” - First year Law student

We all piled onto a very vintage London bus to catch a glimpse of the Royal Court of Justice, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street on our way to the Supreme Court. Once we had successfully made it through the airport-style security system, we found seats in Courtroom 1 just in time for the afternoon session.

We watched two hearings, one on jurisdiction and another on commercial law principles. This was a unique experience to see how the cases we read throughout or degree are handled and actually see the Judges, whose opinions are so central to our course. We then received a tour of the courts, even going to the library (which is normally off limits to the public).” - Zoe Kuyken (3rd year Law Student)

“The first case concerned the procedure for bringing a claim in respect of pollution at a mine in Zambia. The mine company is the largest employer in the country and the mine is the country’s largest copper mine, but the allegation was of serious pollution affecting hundreds of people and the environment. One of the main issues was whether or not it was appropriate to bring a claim in the UK in tort. We heard the appellant’s oral submissions and it got really interesting the judges started asking difficult questions! We were then lucky enough to sit in Courtroom 3 and watch part of a second case unfold. This one concerned whether or not an agreement for the transfer of shares had been validly entered into.”- Beth Jones (2nd Year Law Student)