The Faculty of Law has again invited Richard N. Billington, Q.C. to conduct debate instruction and to adjudicate at the law school’s annual debate competition. This event, pitting 30 teams from within all three years of the law school against one another focuses on oral advocacy. Cross examination and final summation skills are emphasized. The Blackstone Debates were commenced 33 years ago under the initiative of the Honourable Judge Irwin Blackstone. After winning the first three tournaments Richard Billington, Q.C. and his partner, the late Geoffry Baker, Q.C. donated a cup in recognition of the outstanding oral advocate in the competition. Winners of over the past 30 years have become leaders in the legal profession, politics and business.

This year Richard N. Billington, Q.C. of Billington Barristers and Susan Billington, Q.C. of the Law Society of Alberta will be conducting a weekend seminar to train students to focus their argument and develop strong advocacy skills. They will then adjudicate at the final round of competition at which the Blackstone medals and the Baker Billington Cup will be presented.