Launching this week is the Leeds Legal Essay Competition – the first city-wide challenge of its kind for law students in Leeds.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Leeds Legal – the only city-based marketing campaign of its kind in the UK – and supported by the city’s academic institutions, Leeds Metropolitan University, the University of Leeds and BPP Law School.
The essay competition, open to the city’s 2,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students on law related courses, requires entrants to submit a 4,000 – 5,000 word essay on a subject from a range of topical legal issues, including the surveillance society, health and safety at work and the red tape burdens on businesses.
The author of the winning essay - which will be announced in June - will win a £1,000 cash prize, plus a summer placement with a top Leeds law firm. The prize for second place is £250, plus a placement. In addition, three third placed students (one from each of the three law schools) will each win a similar placement.
Firms hosting and mentoring the winning students during the summer will be Gordons, Irwin Mitchell, Lupton Fawcett, Pinsent Masons and Shulmans Solicitors.
Alan M. Baker, chairman of Leeds Legal, said: “We’re really excited to be launching this new essay competition. It’s a first for the city and it’s a great opportunity for budding Leeds’ young lawyers to make their mark in front of our judging panel.
“Getting placements with top firms is a highly competitive area for students, and we are offering the chance for five lucky winners to do just that. We have a remarkable range of legal expertise here in Leeds, which will provide an excellent training ground for our students.
“We have had tremendous support for the competition from all three Leeds law schools, as well as the firms who have kindly offered to host the placements and provide mentors for the winning authors.”
Terry Moran, head of Leeds Law School at Leeds Metropolitan University, commented: “The new essay competition is a great opportunity for the city’s law students to address some really significant and developing legal topics.
“Leeds Legal has selected a diverse range of topics which will, I am sure, provide some inspired work, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and expertise.”
More information, including the essay questions and entry forms, is available from www.leedslegal.co.uk. Deadlines for entry are 6March for University of Leeds students and 13 April for Leeds Metropolitan University and BPP students.
Leeds Legal is the only city-based legal sector promotional campaign in the country. The body promotes law firms in the area and the high levels of service, expertise, no nonsense advice and value for money it says they provide. The organisation also administers an international programme of events, supported by UK Trade and Investment, the government organisation supporting domestic firms doing business internationally and overseas companies wanting to invest here. Leeds Legal is one of the most successful city agencies to utilise European and international trade missions.
