LLM International Law and Security student Kunal led a team in Porto at the Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition. He tells us about the experience and how he was supported by the Centre for Employability, Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER).
How It All Started
When I joined the University of Birmingham in September 2024, I had no idea that my journey would soon take me across countries and all the way to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. It all began when I saw a poster of last year’s team for the Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition (HPMCC), and I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it.
The Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition (HPMCC) is one of the most prestigious human rights moots, focused on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The team selection process was rigorous—first, a written submission, then an interview. Making it through was a huge achievement, but what followed was even bigger. I was entrusted with the role of Team Captain, a responsibility that shaped my experience in ways I never expected.
The Case and Intense Preparation
This year’s case was deeply engaging, touching on Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) and Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 (right to peaceful enjoyment of possessions) of the ECHR, all tied to the criminalization of medicinal cannabis. Our task was to argue whether the state’s actions violated the ECHR, balancing individual rights against the public interest.
From the moment we got selected, the real work began. Writing our memorials (written submissions) was a massive task—every argument had to be legally sound, persuasive, and backed by strong case law. We submitted them in December 2024, and that submission was crucial. Our performance in the memorials secured our place at the Regional Rounds in Porto, Portugal, in February 2025.
Competing in Porto
Porto was an unforgettable experience. Our team had to plead twice—once as the Applicant and once as the Respondent. I had the honour of representing the Applicant, Ms. Adela Marlier, and also delivering the rebuttals for our team at the at the prestigious Palace of Justice in Porto.
Walking into the courtroom, standing before the judges, and presenting legal arguments in a high-stakes environment was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. But all those months of preparation paid off. We delivered strong pleadings on both sides, adapting to the judges’ questions, refining our arguments on the spot, and making sure our advocacy stood out.
When the results came in, we were ecstatic—we scored 35.17/40, which is a really high score compared to the previous year’s results.
A Team Effort
This achievement was a true team effort. My incredible teammates—Ishar Bhullar, Benjamin Faulkner, and Warda Minhas, all final-year undergraduate law students—put in immense dedication, hard work, and passion. Our coach, Dr. Felix Torres, was instrumental in shaping our strategy, guiding us through the complexities of the case, and helping us refine our arguments. And of course, CEPLER at the University of Birmingham, who supported us every step of the way—logistics, funding, and everything in between.
On to the Finals—Strasbourg, Here We Come
But here’s the most exciting part—we made it to the Top 18 teams in the competition.
This means our journey isn’t over yet. We will once again be representing the University of Birmingham at the Final Oral Rounds of the 13th HPMCC in Strasbourg, France, at the European Court of Human Rights itself. The opportunity to plead in the very court that safeguards human rights across Europe is nothing short of a dream come true.
More Than Just a Competition
Looking back, this journey has been about so much more than just mooting. It has been about growth, resilience, teamwork, and pushing beyond limits. Mooting teaches you things that no classroom can—advocacy, critical thinking, handling pressure, and working as a team towards a common goal.
For anyone considering taking part in a moot, my advice is simple: Do it. It will challenge you, but it will also reward you in ways you can’t even imagine. From representing my university on an international stage to now preparing for the finals in Strasbourg, this experience has been nothing short of life-changing.