The Inner Temple’s Advocacy Prize for Pupils: Nicholas Jarman Prize
Each year, the Inn runs an Advocacy Prize for Pupils. Pupils are shortlisted based on their performance at the Pupils’ Advocacy Training Programme Residential Weekend.
By Inner Temple
The Pupils’ Advocacy Training Programme is a compulsory part of training, which pupils must complete before commencing their second six. The Inn runs two courses per year (Course A and Course B). Course A runs from October to November, and Course B runs from January to February. At the residential weekend, pupils engage in a series of exercises designed to assess their ability to perform as an advocate using the Hampel Method.
To determine the winner of the £1000 cash prize (generously donated to the Inn by Mrs Julia Jarman, widow of Nicholas Jarman QC), shortlisted candidates participate in a mock trial final.
This year’s mock trial final took place at the Inn on Thursday 18 June 2026, featuring Satyam Verma, Wilberforce Chambers (Prosecution) and Jack Sheard, 42BR (Defence).
The final was attended by the prize donor Mrs Julia Jarman, Tracy Ayling KC (Reader Elect 2026), Master Jennie Oborne and Master David Wood (Course DIrectors), Master Denise Saunders (Lead Trainer from the Pupils’ Advocacy Residential Weekend) and members of the Inn’s Education and Training department.
The competition was judged by Master Michael Soole, Master Alastair Hodge and Master Sarah Clake (Advocacy Training Committee, Chair).
After a series of performances which included witness handling and a closing speech, the judging panel concluded that Jack Sheard, 42BR, would be crowned winner of The Inner Temple’s Advocacy Prize for Pupils 2025/26.
The evening concluded with a drinks reception, and the winner was also formally announced at the Inn’s annual Advocacy Dinner for Trainers in July.