First Prize Includes Work Experience With National Law Firm Irwin Mitchell

The winners of an annual law competition for students in Rotherham have been announced, with first prize of a week’s work experience at Irwin Mitchell in August the reward for the winner.

Amelia Grzechowiak, 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 for the last 11 years, the competition is open to BTEC and A-Level Law students, who are required to submit an essay on a specific topic in law devised by teacher Andrew Penney. The subject for students to tackle this year was ‘What are the main problems with the non-fatal offences? How could these problems be resolved?’

Amelia’s essay secured first place, impressing the judges with a well written piece. Second place went to Lailaa Bostan, 17, who wins a £50 voucher and Nomignan Kamara, 17 in third place received a book by The Secret Barrister and goody bag.

Previous winners of the competition have gone on to successful careers in the legal profession, including Ellie Taylor, the 2014 winner who went on to work for Irwin Mitchell herself as a paralegal in the serious injury team.

The judges this year included Georgina Brammer and Racheal Harrison from Irwin Mitchell, who presented the winners with their prizes on 20 May.

Expert Opinion

“I’m always impressed by the high standard of entries in this competition and this year was no exception. It makes it very hard to pick a winner and all who entered can be proud of their work.

“Amelia’s essay edged out the others for its clarity and grasp of the topic at hand, but they all provided food for thought on an important legal topic.

“Many congratulations to Amelia, and the other winners Lailaa and Nomignan, who also delivered very impressive and thoughtful entries. We’re already looking forward to what next year’s competition will bring and we’re excited to welcome Amelia when they claim their prize in August.” Georgina Brammer

Racheal Harrison, an associate solicitor at Irwin Mitchell and member of the judging panel, said: “The work on display in this competition was really impressive and as one of the aims is to encourage emerging talent for the legal profession, it’s pleasing to see that so many skilled students are coming through the ranks and will make their mark in the future.

“The competition has grown over the last 11 years and we hope will continue to inspire more young people to consider a career in the legal profession. Congratulations are due not just to the winners, but all those who submitted an entry and made the judges’ task so difficult.”

Andrew Penney from TRC said: “Each year we say the quality of essays can’t get any better but each year a new set of students raise the bar still further. We’re grateful to Irwin Mitchell for continuing to support the competition and look forward to seeing more students kick start their legal careers.”