ULaw Open Day at BAC:
Mastering Advocacy and the BPC Journey

Joash Pandita

The Art of Advocacy: Cross-Examination with Confidence

Instead of a typical law lecture, our BAC students got an exciting deep dive into the art of advocacy with The University of Law's Jacqueline Cheltenham (Programme Director, BPC) and Beverly Dawes (Deputy Programme Director, BPC).

The R v Nigel Parker Challenge

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Students were handed the fictional case of R v Nigel Parker, a theft trial scenario designed to test their analytical and communication skills. Working in pairs, they prepared prosecution questions for cross-examination.

This was certainly one of the more livelier aspects of the workshop. Chatter and debate rippled through the room as partners dissected witness statements, testing each other’s logic. “What’s your purpose with that question?” Dawes asks one group, prompting a rethink.

By the end, even the most hesitant participants were standing taller, voices steadier. The transformation was visible: advocacy, once intimidating, now feels achievable.

Demystifying the BPC Selection Event

a woman sitting at a table with a piece of paper in front of her a woman sitting at a table with a piece of paper in front of her

The next segment provided a clear overview of ULaw’s BPC selection event, helping to demystify a process many students find intimidating.

Jacqueline Cheltenham outlined the online plea mitigation exercise, where candidates must craft a concise, persuasive submission. It’s not about theatrical flair, she stresses, but about structure, the approach on empathy, and your judgment.

Next came the interview. Panel members assessed not only legal reasoning but also communication style and professional demeanor. Delivery standards matter:

Clear speech, logical flow, and the ability to think under pressure. “We’re not looking for perfection,” Cheltenham reassures. “We’re looking for potential.”

Assessment Stage

Focus

Key Skill

Plea Mitigation

Written and oral persuasion

Clarity

Interview

Professional communication

Confidence

Delivery Standards

Presentation and structure

Control

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Application Insights from ULaw's Kelly Black

To round off the event, Kelly Black from ULaw walked students through the BPC application process. This included:

  • Entry qualifications
  • Writing an effective personal statement
  • Navigating ULaw’s application portal
  • Understanding timelines and expectations

    • The overview helped students better understand how to position themselves as strong candidates and avoid common application pitfalls.

    A Valuable Day for Aspiring Barristers

    The ULaw Open Day at BAC offered students a rare opportunity to experience advocacy in action while gaining clarity on the BPC selection and application process.

    With practical exercises, honest advice, and direct engagement with ULaw’s academic team, attendees walked away better informed, better prepared and ready for the next step in their legal journey.