White & Case trainee writes winning essay

Alexander Barnes, who has just finished his Legal Practice Course and about to embark on a training contract at White & Case, triumphed in his essay on the effect of Alternative Business Structures (ABS) on access to the profession.

Barnes admitted he was clued-up on the topic due to working in a company called ‘Quality Solicitors’, which was set-up in light of ABSs.

He added: “I think it was a really good topic to choose to host the competition on. I think that the legal profession faces many challenges in the form of ABSs but, as I said in my essay, I think it’s a great opportunity.

“I hope the JLD continues with the competition as it challenges young lawyers to think about more than their immediate personal future and to think more broadly about the profession as a whole.” 

The competition attracted 27 entries and is hoped to become an annual event.  The prizes included a coveted trophy and £500 for the winner, and £250 for the two runner-ups.

The two runner-ups included Mary Bentley, who is about to start a training contract with Hill Dickinson, and Shivangi Majithia, an LPC graduate currently working as a tribunal clerk for the Ministry of Justice.