What is the law reform essay competition?
Our essay competition gives you the opportunity to make the case for law reform in English, Welsh and European law.
Law reform can lead to significant changes in society by updating laws to reflect current values, addressing injustices, and improving the efficiency of the legal system.
Got an idea for reform to legislation or common law? We’re looking for you to identify and make the case for law reform that improves efficiency and enhances justice. We encourage you to review how effective, fair and relevant legislation is for today’s society.
Why enter?
Our essay competition gives you the opportunity to explore reforming English, Welsh and European law. Written advocacy, such as making the case for law reform, is an essential skill you'll need to develop throughout your career at the Bar.
There are generous prizes which can contribute to funding your training for the Bar.
What you could win:
- The winner will receive £4,000 and their essay will be published on Counsel magazine's website
- Runner up: £3,000
- Highly commended award x4: £750
- All winning, runner up and highly commended essays will be published on our website and shared via our social media channels
The prize money is funded by the Bar Council Scholarship Trust.
Who can enter?
You can enter our essay competition if you:
- Are undertaking pupillage
- Hold a pupillage offer
- Are undertaking the vocational component of Bar training
- Have completed the vocational component of Bar training and are actively seeking pupillage
In a change to previous years, university students are no longer eligible to enter our competition. Our new eligibility criteria align with our aims to support aspiring barristers to the Bar and encourage an interest in law reform. We’d welcome your entry when you’ve started vocational training such as the Bar training course.
