Work Experience With National Law Firm For Winning Student

Three students from Rotherham have secured prizes in the latest round of a legal competition that will see the winner experience a week as part of a national law firm.

Lucy South, 17, a law student at Thomas Rotherham College (TRC) secured first prize of a week’s work experience with Irwin Mitchell in TRC’s annual law competition.

Sponsored by Irwin Mitchell since 2013, the competition calls for BTEC and A-Level Law students to write an essay on a topic given by teacher Andrew Penney, with this year’s competition asking students to debate the topic ‘The Jury System Is Completely Unfit for Purpose’.

Lucy’s essay was given first place, having been described by the judging panel as being ‘well-written’ and ‘including excellent research’. Momna Meharban, 17, came second and wins a £50 voucher, while Maisie South, 17, in third place received a book by The Secret Barrister.

Now in its 10^th year, the competition has always seen a high standard of entries, with a work experience placement at Irwin Mitchell in July the reward for the winner. The prizes were presented to the students on Wednesday 24 May.

The judges were Emily Mansfield and Georgina Brammer from Irwin Mitchell. Previous winners have gone on to have careers in the legal profession, with 2014 winner Ellie Taylor going on to work for Irwin Mitchell as a paralegal in the serious injury team.

Expert Opinion

“Over the last ten years, this competition has always delivered amazing work, delivered by outstanding students and each year it becomes more difficult to pick a winner.

“All of this year’s essays were fully researched and well-written, which made it harder than ever to select a top three. Lucy’s piece caught our eye because it really expanded on the advantages and disadvantages of the jury system. All the essays were fantastic and of a very high standard and we congratulate Lucy, Momna and Maisie on their success and thanks all the other students who took part." Emily Mansfield

Georgina Brammer, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell and judge of the competition, said: “It’s vital to nurture and encourage the next generation of legal talent and that’s why we’ve continued to support this competition and despite the challenges posed by lockdown, it has always gone ahead.

“The fact that a former winner now works for the firm demonstrates the calibre of those taking part in the competition and everyone who entered should be proud of their achievements.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Lucy along to Irwin Mitchell in July and inspiring more young people to consider a career in the legal profession.”

Andrew Penney from TRC said: “We are very grateful for our continuing partnership with Irwin Mitchell. Our students enjoyed the challenge of the essay writing competition, and all of the entries were of a very high standard. 

“We are looking forward to working with Irwin Mitchell again next year on a range of other exciting opportunities.”