Lord Justice Floyd chairs schools debating competion

12 Dec 2017 | 10:48 am | 1 min. read

International law firm Pinsent Masons joined up with East London Business Alliance (ELBA) to host a debating tournament with six schools from Newham and Hackney taking part. Held at the firm's headquarters in London on Friday 8 December, volunteers from Veolia, HSBC, EDF, Costain and Pinsent Masons supported the school teams with coaching sessions prior to the event.

The teams debated one of several motions on issues that affect young people, being –

  • Universities should change the way they admit students
  • School web filters should be less restrictive
  • Students should be able to formally grade their teachers
  • Schools should offer cash bonuses for good exam results

 The schools taking part included Rokeby, Kingsford, Little Illford, Oasis Academy Silvertown, Cardinal Pole and Sarah Bonnell.

The judging panel was chaired by The Rt Hon Lord Justice Floyd along with Cherylan Martindale, Talent Lead for EY’s Core Business Services and Pinsent Masons Senior Partner Richard Foley. They sent through Rokeby and Oasis Academy Silvertown to the final.

A heated debate unfolded tackling the motion that 'video cameras should be installed in all classrooms.’ The team from Rokeby put forward supporting arguments for the motion stating that cameras would encourage good behaviour from the students, and provide security for both students and teachers. Oasis Academy Silvertown's rebuttal argued that cameras would undermine trust that teachers are trying to create and would make the students feel self-conscious. 

In the panel's feedback, Lord Justice Floyd said that competition throughout the day had been particularly strong. In the final round they thought each team had very good structure, evidence and delivery, and made excellent use of the questioning and answering section. Rokeby was announced as the winners of this year's competition.

Pinsent Masons Senior Partner, Richard Foley, said: "This is the fourth year we've held this competition and once again I am very impressed with these talented students and their ability to present such sophisticated arguments.

"We want to introduce the children, who come from a wide range of backgrounds, into the world of advocacy and perhaps even encourage them to consider a career in the law. From the ability demonstrated today I have no doubt there were a number of potential future lawyers in the teams."

 Ian Parkes, CEO of ELBA, said: "Competitions like these, supported by Pinsent Masons, give the schools and the students the opportunity to shine, and reflects the talent that we have in all schools across East London."

Latest press releases

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons appoints employment partner in Aberdeen

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has hired Gillian Harrington to join the firm’s Aberdeen office as employment partner from 6 May.

Pinsent Masons bolsters UK corporate practice with hire of expert healthcare and higher education partner

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has hired corporate partner, Rachel Soundy, to join the firm’s Birmingham office.

Pinsent Masons advises Balbec Capital on its first European public securitisation

Multinational law firm, Pinsent Masons LLP, has advised IGCF VI Euro, L.P. a sub-fund of Balbec Capital LP, a global alternative investment manager headquartered in the United States on its first European public securitisation in relation to the issuance of notes totalling EUR 392 million backed by a portfolio of reperforming Spanish mortgage loans, arranged by Goldman Sachs.

People who viewed this press release also viewed

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons appoints employment partner in Aberdeen

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has hired Gillian Harrington to join the firm’s Aberdeen office as employment partner from 6 May.

Pinsent Masons bolsters UK corporate practice with hire of expert healthcare and higher education partner

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has hired corporate partner, Rachel Soundy, to join the firm’s Birmingham office.

Pinsent Masons advises Balbec Capital on its first European public securitisation

Multinational law firm, Pinsent Masons LLP, has advised IGCF VI Euro, L.P. a sub-fund of Balbec Capital LP, a global alternative investment manager headquartered in the United States on its first European public securitisation in relation to the issuance of notes totalling EUR 392 million backed by a portfolio of reperforming Spanish mortgage loans, arranged by Goldman Sachs.

For all media enquiries, including arranging an interview with one of our spokespeople, please contact the press office on

+44 (0)20 7418 8199 or 

Location contacts

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.