The BM ICCC is an annual global competition for law students to practice interviewing, counselling, and problem-solving with simulated clients, focusing on developing crucial lawyer-client communication and empathy skills in a multicultural setting.

Teams from Ulster University’s Belfast and Magee campuses, Queen’s University Belfast and the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) competed in the Northern Ireland regional heat at Law Society House in Belfast last week.

Connor Nicholas and Pearse Smith represented Ulster University Belfast, coached by Melissa McKee, while Olivija Bilyte and Daniel Heagney represented Ulster University Magee.

Gabriella McMullin and Henry O’Riordan took part on behalf of Queen’s University Belfast, with Reece Simpson and Matthew McGuigan competing for the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, coached by Stuart Harper.

The competition was judged by an expert panel of solicitor judges, comprising Niall Hargan of Carson McDowell, Claire McNamee from the Law Society of Northern Ireland, and Maria O’Loan from Tughans.

Following a fierce contest, the winners were announced as the team from Ulster University Belfast, who will now go on to compete in the International Client Consultation Competition at the University of Zagreb in Zagreb, Croatia on 15-18 April 2026.

The Law Society of Northern Ireland will provide a financial contribution towards their attendance.

“The Society wishes to congratulate the winning team and all the teams including their coaches for their preparation and participation in making the 2026 Client Consultation Competition such a success,” the Law Society said in a statement.

“The Society also wishes to thank Maria O’Loan from Tughans for taking the time to compose the complex real-life scenarios around planning, environment, and land law and for Dan Long in his role as the client in the scenarios.”