Ms Hussey (Eversheds Sutherland) and Ms Szczurek (Kennedy Solicitors) represented the Law Society of Ireland team of post-PPC1 trainee solicitors in the annual competition, organised by the Irish Red Cross for law students in Ireland.

Named after Cáin Adomnáin, or the ‘Law of Innocents’ as it is often referred to, an early International Humanitarian Law (IHL) treaty signed in Birr, Co Offaly, in 697 AD, the competition aims to take the learning out of the lecture hall and provide students with an opportunity to engage the IHL on a practical level, applying their knowledge to “real-life” situations.

Students participating in the competition take part in role-plays, simulations and moot courts. These are evaluated by a jury composed of highly experienced people in the field of International Humanitarian Law. Students are provided with coaches on the day to guide them through preparation for each competition station.

Ms Hussey and Ms Szczurek impressed judges with their “quick thinking and keen advocacy skills”, the Law Society said.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and the 80th anniversary of the Irish Red Cross, and the Law Society will play host to a selection of events this year to promote respect and understanding for international humanitarian law both among public and practitioners.