The annual competition is run by the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA) International in conjunction with the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights.

For the first time, ELSA Ireland hosted 21 teams from across Europe for the Dublin regional round in Trinity College Dublin from 23-25 February 2024. Other regional rounds took place in Ankara, Turkey and St Gallen, Switzerland.

The top scoring teams from all three regional rounds — who have yet to be named — will compete in the final in Strasbourg in the last week of May 2024.

The Dublin regional round was sponsored by A&L Goodbody and DX Ireland.

Gráinne Honer, head of the organising committee, said: “The competition was fierce and was of extremely high standard. It was clear that each team put their heart and soul into arguing the case and advocating for their clients. I want to wish them all luck in getting to the next round as they all deserve it.

“I wish to thank all of the judging who volunteered their time into making this competition happen. It was great to see the variety of people who came to judge over the weekend.”

Blaithin Scully, the committee’s head of judges, said: “HPMCC was such an amazing experience. In my eyes, it was a huge success.

“For me personally, I gained a huge amount of knowledge in regards to how a moot court is ran, the efforts involved, and also the ability to work as a team. Being a part of the organising committee, I gained many friends and new connections, above all else, we had fun!

“I am proud of myself and the rest of the organising committee for the hard work and our ability to rise to any challenge. HPMCC has given me more confidence in myself, my skills and knowledge. I am excited to hopefully be more involved with future events too!”

Tia Brunkard, the committee’s head of marketing, said: “I was truly honoured to collaborate with an exceptional committee during the HPMCC’s regional rounds in Dublin. It was an enriching learning experience that allowed me to forge numerous new connections across Europe and establish a significant rapport with ELSA Ireland.

“Despite the weekend presenting its challenges, our committee’s outstanding skills were pivotal in ensuring the competition’s success. This event was not just a milestone for my professional journey but also a vibrant hub for legal minds to converge and share knowledge.”

Adrian Karbownik, president of ELSA Ireland, said: “The regional round of the HPMCC was truly unique. It was the first time that the ELSA Ireland board took on an ELSA International competition and it was incredible to be at the heart of the organisation of such a tremendous event!

“The feedback from the participants was incredible, with many of them stating that this was the most competitive event they have ever taken part in. It was a joy to see the happiness on the participants faces every time they walked out of a pleading, came with curious questions or even with enquiries about merchandise.”