A recent international legal advocacy initiative has highlighted the value of collaborative learning in preparing students for real-world legal practice.
The four-week COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) Project brought together students from De Montfort University (Leicester and Dubai campuses) and Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, creating a global classroom environment focused on practical legal skills.
The programme culminated in a live advocacy exercise, where student-led prosecution and defence teams faced off in a simulated courtroom setting. The prosecution team was led by student advocate Amaan Patel and included key contributors Nooreen Makhani, Farzana Sonir, Mary Arowojolu and Nerajanda Sherolli.
They faced a strong student defence team represented by Joe Clements and Maddy Heysmond, with all participants demonstrating confidence, clarity and professionalism in presenting their legal arguments.
The case involved a bail application for a fictional defendant, Tommy Smedley, portrayed by Lee Hennell, one of the academics teaching on the law programme at De Montfort University. The session took place in Castle Court before David Hodgkinson, also an academic on the programme, providing participants with a realistic and high-pressure advocacy environment.
Following detailed legal arguments and rebuttals from both sides, the exercise concluded with a verdict in favour of the prosecution.
Beyond the outcome, the project offered students a valuable opportunity to develop key legal skills, including public speaking, courtroom advocacy, critical thinking and teamwork. The experience of collaborating with peers across international campuses also enabled students to gain broader perspectives on legal practice.
Events such as the COIL Project demonstrate how experiential learning can bridge the gap between academic study and professional application. By simulating real legal proceedings, students are better equipped with the confidence and practical skills needed for future careers in law.
The initiative was organised by Sara Desforges, another academic at De Montfort University, whose efforts provided students with a unique platform to collaborate, challenge themselves and develop professionally.