A University of Law student has been crowned ‘Future Legal Mind 2017.’
Hana Kapadia, from Cheltenham, is studying for her Graduate Diploma in Law at the institution’s Bristol centre and clinched the title with her essay on why the UK civil justice system needs lawyers, which will be published on Lawyer2B.com next week.
She also wins £5,000 and a placement at law firm Simpson Millar.
It is the third year the competition has run, and it attracted a record number of entries.
National Accident Helpline managing director and chair of judges Simon Trott, said: “We were extremely impressed with Hana’s essay. It was thoroughly researched, lively, and showed a deep understanding of the UK legal system.”
Kapadia said: “I still can’t believe it, to be honest. I was elated to hear that I won.
“To have won such a prestigious award is a real honour, and I cannot express how grateful I am.
“Winning the competition will undoubtedly provide a huge boost to my CV, and is going to be a huge aid financially, to give me a sense of security towards funding my studies.”
Nine other finalists all receive £250. They are
- Heather Jane, University of Law
- Morris Seifert, BPP
- Thomas Stokoe, BPP
- George Dick, University of Dundee,
- Bethany Hargreaves, University of Manchester,
- Comfort Ochefu, University of Chester,
- Katharine Strange, City Law School,
- Jane Taylor, University of Westminster and
- Charlotte Werner, University of Exeter
Last year’s winner, City University student Tom Phillips, took the prize for his essay on whether the commoditisation of legal services is inevitable.
The 2015 winner, York University undergraduate Amy Loughery, answered the question: “If the justice system were a blank canvas and you had the power to structure it, what would you do in terms of access to justice?”
To find out more about Future Legal Mind, and for details on entering the 2018 award, visit the NAH website.
Hana, Well done! The award is not only an added support financially but an outstanding success in your future legal career.