Ellis Jones hosts Commercial Negotiation Competition for Bournemouth law students

Ellis Jones Solicitors recently invited law students from Bournemouth University to take part in its first ever Commercial Negotiation Competition.

Following some gruelling early rounds at the University, four legal minds arrived at Ellis Jones’ head office in Bournemouth for the grand final.

Neil Holland and Elliot Moreve faced off together against Calum MacAskill and Alexander Chance as the duos negotiated over a fictional football transfer, with the latter team emerging victorious.

Calum was named overall winner and awarded a Legal Placement Year with the firm, but Alexander, Neil and Elliot did not miss out as they were offered a Vacation Scheme placement for two weeks’ work experience over the summer.

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Associate Solicitor Conor Maher, who organised the competition, said: “It was a fantastic success. There was a strong uptake by law students who were given a unique opportunity to gain exposure to the negotiation process and hone their skills, whilst learning more about our firm and the way we work.

“There is always fierce competition for our Legal Placements, and so we thought that a Commercial Negotiation Competition would be a fair and innovative way to identify the most suitable candidates. I don’t know of any other law firm in the region which does this.”

Judging the final showdown were Managing Partner Nigel Smith and Partners Kate Brooks and Ian Butterworth. They were assisted by Associate Solicitor Conor Maher, Legal Placement Howard Hasan and Trainee Solicitor Dayna Rodrigues.

Nigel said: “Congratulations to all of the finalists who performed brilliantly under considerable pressure.

“Calum articulated his points incredibly well, and reacted adeptly to the positions and propositions of his opponent. We look forward to working with him during his year’s placement and the other finalists on their Vacation Scheme placements.”

It could be that Calum, who is currently in his second year at Bournemouth, will one day join a growing list of solicitors now working full-time at Ellis Jones who once made their start on a Legal Placement with the firm.

He added: “My thanks to all at Ellis Jones for the opportunity. It was fantastic and definitely a great experience to use for the future.”

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