This week at Langley Park School for Girls, we had the pleasure of watching and taking part in a mock trial. It was put together by an amazing team of barristers; Mark Robinson, Sahara Fergus-Simms & Shaun Wallace.

Sahara is a junior barrister at Furnival Chambers who specialises in criminal law. She was called to the Bar in 2015. She attended university and completed her degree and then completed a master's degree. As well as this, she acted as an appropriate adult safeguarding the rights and welfare of young and vulnerable people whilst at a police station and in police interview. Her aim as a barrister is to help get people a second chance. Shaun, who is probably best known as 'The Dark Destroyer' on The Chase, is a criminal defence barrister and was called to the Bar in 1984. Shaun works at Great James Street Chambers. Mark is a newly qualified barrister who was called to the Bar in 2020. Before that, he was a DJ for 'BBC Radio 1 Xtra'. He was wrongly accused of a crime in 2014 and had to defend himself in court. The barrister for the prosecution was so impressed with his natural talent that he suggested that Mark should train to become a barrister. Seven years later, he was a criminal defence barrister at Great James Street Chambers too.

Ife Alabi, who participated as a member of the prosecution team, had this to say about the event, "I had the pleasure of attending the LPGS mock trial as a prosecutor! It was a surreal experience advocating in front of Shaun Wallace. I can honestly say that advocating is a hard but rewarding job and I have the upmost respect for barristers.” Abigail Osei-Owusu also participated in the trial, but as a jury member; "We had the amazing opportunity of being able to attend a mock trial. It gave us an insight into law and the complexities the legal profession has to offer. I participated as a jury member. We had to listen attentively to all of the evidence provided and make a verdict at the end. It was truly an amazing experience!"

All of the aspiring legal professionals at Langley Park School For Girls had an unforgettable experience thanks to Mark, Sahara and Shaun. We all hope that they will come back again for another trial!