Last year’s All-Ireland Mediation competition champions have now been placed second in the inaugural UK mediation competition, which took place at the University of Glasgow’s school of law.

The team of young solicitors from across the North swept the hours in the contest pitting 14 regional champions against each other.

The competition which, took place before the coronavirus shutdown, is highly regarded in the legal profession and is observed and adjudicated by senior solicitors and barrister from across Britain.

Contingent

The contingent and runners-up from the North consisted of Eimear Cathcart, Allison Weir, Hayley Cummings and Amanda Gilliland.

Former Queen's University student and solicitor at Belfast firm, BLM Eimear Cathcart was the captain.

The team was trained by Queen's Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS).

The Law Society of Northern Ireland has congratulated the four students and IPLS on their achievement.

Cormac Fitzpatrick, partner and head of office at BLM, Belfast, said: “With recent global developments, it was fantastic to hear of the team’s success in representing the legal profession here and Eimear’s contribution to that effort.

Benefit

“Clients increasingly understand the benefit of mediation in resolving their civil litigation issues in a timely and cost-effective manner.

“We are delighted that Eimear and her colleagues were recognised for their professionalism, creativity and acuity."