Participation in the 2024 Brown Mosten International Client Consultation Competition held in Lublin, Poland has been one of the most valuable experiences of my legal education so far. Representing Croatia alongside my teammate and friend Klara, and reaching the semi-finals, was not only a proud moment, but also a deeply formative one.
From the very first day and the opening ceremony, it was clear that this would be an experience I would remember for years. That initial impression only deepened over the following days, as we saw firsthand the exceptional level of professionalism, organization, and attention to detail that defined every aspect of the competition.
What followed was far more than just an academic contest, it was an opportunity to explore empathy, communication, and cross-cultural understanding. The structure of the Brown Mosten ICCC, consisting of four client interviews with the final two serving as the semi-final and final rounds, challenged us to go beyond theoretical knowledge and engage with what it truly means to work with clients. We were encouraged to focus on the client, their needs, their emotions, their story and to develop skills that are often overlooked in traditional legal education.
With each round, we became better listeners, more thoughtful communicators and more attuned to the emotional dynamics of client interaction. After every session, detailed feedback from the judges allowed us to reflect, grow, and fine-tune our approach. The competition highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, clarity, and compassion — qualities that are just as vital in legal practice as legal knowledge itself. It was this human element, paired with the opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals, that made the experience stand out.
Beyond the competition itself, we had the chance to connect with law students and professionals from 22 different countries. We shared stories and discovered how we all approach law and working with clients in different ways. Even months later, I’m still in touch with so many of the people I met there, many of whom I proudly call friends. It served as a powerful reminder that, while we may come from different legal systems and backgrounds, we are united by a shared passion for justice and human connection.
Another meaningful thing was the hospitality of our hosts and rich cultural program that accompanied the competition. These efforts made us feel genuinely welcomed and gave us a deeper appreciation of Polish culture and history. One particularly impactful moment was the organized visit to the Majdanek concentration camp in Lublin. Although it was a somber and emotional experience, it was also profoundly educational and important. Visiting such a historically significant site gave us the opportunity to reflect on the past and reinforced the responsibility we hold as future legal professionals to uphold human rights and dignity. It was both heartbreaking and eye-opening, and it added a meaningful dimension to the entire journey.
Alongside, the cultural activities also provided valuable opportunities for informal connection. During the national evening, we wore symbols and traditional items representing our home countries, sharing food, music, and stories that showcased our diverse backgrounds. Later, at the formal dinner, we exchanged small gifts from our home countries as a way to remember thetime spent together. These cultural elements added a warm and personal touch to the overall experience and contributed to a sense of community among us participants.
Equally important was the role played by the organizers in shaping the event’s atmosphere. Every single one of them was approachable, smiling and always ready for a conversation,whether to solve a practical issue or simply to chat over a cup of coffee. Their kindness and dedication made the event feel welcoming and comfortable, allowing everyone to be their bestnot only as aspiring lawyers, but as people.
After the competition, I had the privilege of mentoring and sharing my knowledge with the 2025 Croatian team as they prepared for the Brown Mosten ICCC in Glasgow, Scotland. This rewarding experience brought everything full circle and highlighted the importance of peer support and mentorship. It also reaffirmed how strongly this competition encourages a culture of continuous growth and collaborative learning.
To any law student considering taking part, I truly recommend it. The Brown Mosten ICCC offers so much more than just a chance to compete it’s a chance to grow personally and professionally, build meaningful international connections, and develop skills that are essential for a client-focused legal career. If you aspire not only to be a knowledgeable law student, but a compassionate and effective future lawyer, this is the perfect place to start.
I’m sincerely grateful to the Brown Mosten ICCC team for creating such an inspiring platform,one that not only fosters professional development, but cultivates a truly global community of future legal minds.
Nikolina Filipović
Law student, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb
Representative of Croatia at the 2024 Brown Mosten ICCC
From the very first day and the opening ceremony, it was clear that this would be an experience I would remember for years. That initial impression only deepened over the following days, as we saw firsthand the exceptional level of professionalism, organization, and attention to detail that defined every aspect of the competition.
What followed was far more than just an academic contest, it was an opportunity to explore empathy, communication, and cross-cultural understanding. The structure of the Brown Mosten ICCC, consisting of four client interviews with the final two serving as the semi-final and final rounds, challenged us to go beyond theoretical knowledge and engage with what it truly means to work with clients. We were encouraged to focus on the client, their needs, their emotions, their story and to develop skills that are often overlooked in traditional legal education.
With each round, we became better listeners, more thoughtful communicators and more attuned to the emotional dynamics of client interaction. After every session, detailed feedback from the judges allowed us to reflect, grow, and fine-tune our approach. The competition highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, clarity, and compassion — qualities that are just as vital in legal practice as legal knowledge itself. It was this human element, paired with the opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals, that made the experience stand out.
Beyond the competition itself, we had the chance to connect with law students and professionals from 22 different countries. We shared stories and discovered how we all approach law and working with clients in different ways. Even months later, I’m still in touch with so many of the people I met there, many of whom I proudly call friends. It served as a powerful reminder that, while we may come from different legal systems and backgrounds, we are united by a shared passion for justice and human connection.
Another meaningful thing was the hospitality of our hosts and rich cultural program that accompanied the competition. These efforts made us feel genuinely welcomed and gave us a deeper appreciation of Polish culture and history. One particularly impactful moment was the organized visit to the Majdanek concentration camp in Lublin. Although it was a somber and emotional experience, it was also profoundly educational and important. Visiting such a historically significant site gave us the opportunity to reflect on the past and reinforced the responsibility we hold as future legal professionals to uphold human rights and dignity. It was both heartbreaking and eye-opening, and it added a meaningful dimension to the entire journey.
Alongside, the cultural activities also provided valuable opportunities for informal connection. During the national evening, we wore symbols and traditional items representing our home countries, sharing food, music, and stories that showcased our diverse backgrounds. Later, at the formal dinner, we exchanged small gifts from our home countries as a way to remember thetime spent together. These cultural elements added a warm and personal touch to the overall experience and contributed to a sense of community among us participants.
Equally important was the role played by the organizers in shaping the event’s atmosphere. Every single one of them was approachable, smiling and always ready for a conversation,whether to solve a practical issue or simply to chat over a cup of coffee. Their kindness and dedication made the event feel welcoming and comfortable, allowing everyone to be their bestnot only as aspiring lawyers, but as people.
After the competition, I had the privilege of mentoring and sharing my knowledge with the 2025 Croatian team as they prepared for the Brown Mosten ICCC in Glasgow, Scotland. This rewarding experience brought everything full circle and highlighted the importance of peer support and mentorship. It also reaffirmed how strongly this competition encourages a culture of continuous growth and collaborative learning.
To any law student considering taking part, I truly recommend it. The Brown Mosten ICCC offers so much more than just a chance to compete it’s a chance to grow personally and professionally, build meaningful international connections, and develop skills that are essential for a client-focused legal career. If you aspire not only to be a knowledgeable law student, but a compassionate and effective future lawyer, this is the perfect place to start.
I’m sincerely grateful to the Brown Mosten ICCC team for creating such an inspiring platform,one that not only fosters professional development, but cultivates a truly global community of future legal minds.
Nikolina Filipović
Law student, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb
Representative of Croatia at the 2024 Brown Mosten ICCC