The Andrew Lockley Public Law Essay Competition

This year our PLHR team looked to hear from law students, graduates, trainee solicitors and paralegals considering the solicitor route, who practise in or are aiming to specialise in public law and human rights. This year's essay question was:

"The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is currently passing through the legislative process. The Bill is considered to be a landmark piece of legislation due to the long campaign leading to its introduction as a private members’ bill. To what extent do you think the Bill balances the competing requirements of an individual’s right to autonomy and the need for safeguards."

We’ve received some brilliant entries, and we’re proud to present this year’s winner: Isis Buse. Isis is currently studying the PGDL (postgraduate law conversion) at the University of Law.

Our expert panel of judges featured Angela Jackman KC (Hon), Yogi Amin, Oliver Carter and Huw Butler from our Public Law and Human Rights team.

Angela said: “The four judges were extremely impressed with how Isis structured her essay and the detailed analysis and critique she deployed. It is clear that Isis carried out broad research into the topic and used domestic and international case law effectively in support of her arguments.

“We were delighted to once again receive a significant number of entries to the essay competition this year, many of which were of a very high standard. Amongst an impressive field, the judges felt Isis’s essay stood out due to the quality of her analysis, writing style and the background context she provided. Congratulations, Isis.

“We will continue to monitor the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill with interest as it passes through the legislative process. We will run the essay competition again next year with a new question that addresses topical social welfare issues.”