Wrexham University Student Reaches Finals of Prestigious Legal Advocacy Competition

A Wrexham University law student who hopes to build a career as an advocate is set to test her skills at one of the United Kingdom’s most famous courts.

Niamh Owen, a law student at Wrexham University, is one of just two finalists from Wales to reach the BPP Advocate of the Year competition, which will take place at the Old Bailey in London. The competition focuses on criminal law advocacy and tests a range of practical courtroom skills, including submission advocacy, examination-in-chief and cross-examination.

Niamh, who began studying law in 2025, described the experience of representing Wrexham and North Wales on a national stage as both surreal and deeply meaningful.

“The overwhelming feeling of representing Wrexham is quite incredible. Wrexham University has thousands of students, and you never really think it’s going to be you until suddenly it is.

Going to the Old Bailey is extraordinary. I’m going to the same place where women once fought for the right to vote just over 100 years ago. To think I’ll be standing in that same court is something very special.”

Before studying law, Niamh worked as both a complex mental health support worker and a dairy farmer. Her educational journey has not been straightforward. She first studied at Wrexham University before later returning to pursue law after taking time away from education to care for her grandfather with a diagnosis of Alzheimers. 

Despite the challenges along the way, she says the experience strengthened her motivation to pursue a legal career.

“I’ve always wanted to protect and fight for the vulnerable and the underdogs. I suppose that’s what naturally draws me to being an advocate, hopefully not an argumentative one!

I want to make a difference. I started helping people when I was around 16 through healthcare work, and although I loved supporting others, it could be emotionally draining when it became part of every aspect of life, at work, in education and at home.”

Returning to university to study law felt like a natural step forward for Niamh.

“It feels like everything has come full circle. My path hasn’t been straightforward or typical, but I’m really grateful because everything that has happened, has led me here,” she said. 

I always knew this was what I wanted to do, but I struggled with imposter syndrome and sometimes felt that ‘little old me’ wouldn’t manage it.”

Niamh credits the lecturers and support network at Wrexham University for helping her develop the confidence and skills needed to reach the final of a national advocacy competition.

“We’re really lucky to be part of a university that genuinely invests in its students. The teaching approach is different to some larger universities; lecturers have the time to support us individually and encourage us to take opportunities.

We regularly receive emails about opportunities with local law firms and legal organisations, which is something that can easily be lost in bigger institutions.

Here, students are treated as individuals. The university recognises our different strengths and supports us in developing them through its active learning framework.”

The BPP Advocate of the Year competition differs from traditional moot competitions because it focuses on practical courtroom advocacy rather than purely legal argument. Competitors are assessed on skills such as public speaking, clarity of expression, logical argument, client interviewing and courtroom performance.

Niamh will now compete against 15 other finalists from universities across the United Kingdom.

Despite the challenge ahead, she says the opportunity itself already feels like a major achievement.

“I still can’t quite believe it. Even practising lawyers don’t always get the opportunity to appear at the Old Bailey.

It’s the largest criminal court in the UK and one of the most famous courts in the world. To have the chance to step into that courtroom so early in my legal journey is incredible.

It’s something that will stay with me for the rest of my life and it shows that people are capable of far more than they often realise. Sometimes you just have to take every opportunity that comes your way.”

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