The Oxford Society for Commercial Law
The Society
Our Mission -
To nurture the next generation of commercial lawyers by providing rigorous developmental opportunities to dedicated students exploring and pursuing careers in commercial law.
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About Us
Founded in 2020, the Oxford Society for Commercial Law’s (OSCOLA) mission is to address the growing demand amongst Oxford students to prepare themselves for a career in commercial law.
Through organising skill development workshops, presentations and competitions such as moots and negotiation tournaments, we aim to equip our members with the skills they need to thrive as lawyers of the future.
We also publish a blog showcasing our members’ research into the latest legal and commercial developments, underpinned by the highest standards of academic rigour expected of all Oxford students.
Our Work
Firm Presentations and Events →
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OSCOLA organises presentations, workshops, and events in collaboration with leading law firms in the City. By hosting meaningful events with a developmental focus, we strive to let our members improve their commercial awareness and hone critical competencies while getting a better insight into our partner firms.
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OSCOLA is Oxford’s first student-run society to organise university wide competitions that focus solely on issues of commercial law. Our flagship competition is the Gibson Dunn-OSCOLA Commercial Law Moot, an annual mooting competition that provides competitors the opportunity to demonstrate a keen grasp of commerciality in front of eminent judges from Gibson Dunn such as The Rt Hon Lord Falconer of Thornton QC and Penny Madden QC. In 2023, the finals of the Moot was held at the UK Supreme Court, with Lord Hamblen JSC judging.
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In 2022, OSCOLA also launched the annual Macfarlanes x OSCOLA Negotiation Competition, the only competition of its kind at Oxford. The Competition provides both non-law and law students alike the opportunity to demonstrate their commercial awareness in a non-court setting.
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Workshops and Mentoring Schemes →
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OSCOLA introduced the OSCOLA Student Mentorship Programme in Hilary Term 2021, where senior students who have secured vacation schemes or training contracts at leading firms were paired with younger aspiring solicitors to give guidance on work experience applications, commercial awareness, and general career advice. Such a scheme is the first of its kind targeted at aspiring solicitors at Oxford.
In Trinity Term 2022, OSCOLA also introduced a Professional Mentorship Programme, where professional lawyers were paired with aspiring solicitors and barristers to give tailored higher education and career guidance. Both Mentorship Programmes are now run every academic year.