We launched the Andrew Lockley Public Law Essay Competition in 2021 to give aspiring public law and human rights lawyers a platform to kick-start their careers. The contest is named after the first head of our Public Law team and we were delighted to run it again this year.

We’ve received some brilliant entries, and we’re proud to present this year’s winner: Esmee Cadogan.

Esmee is a Year 13 student currently studying Law, Religious Studies, and Computer Science A-Levels. She plans to start studying Law at University next year and later qualify and practise as a public law solicitor.

She answered the question:

The aim of the Care Act 2014 was to “transform the system of care and support in England for the good of each and every one of us” (‘Caring for our future: reforming care and support’ White Paper, July 2012). To what extent has the Act achieved these aims?

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

"Esmee’s essay on the impact of the Care Act 2014 ten years on from its implementation was outstanding. Esmee demonstrated an exceptional level of research, analytical skill and an engaging and concise writing style. Esmee considered and referenced a significant number of relevant court judgments, academic papers and other publications in support of her conclusion that the Care Act has not fully achieved the ambitious objectives underpinning its introduction.

"The issue of social care is highly topical and of vital importance to huge numbers of people across the country. It was recently announced by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, that Baroness Louise Casey will be appointed to chair an independent commission into adult social care. If Baroness Casey were to read Esmee’s fantastic essay, we feel that would be a good start for this vital work!

"Congratulations to Esmee for winning the Andrew Lockley Public Law Essay Competition 2024 and thank you to all of the aspiring public law and human rights solicitors who entered the competition. We will be launching the next round of the competition later in 2025.”