This long-running competition has changed its criteria; and is now primarily of interest to those currently studying on the BVS course or our alumni who are either looking for pupillage or currently undertaking it.

Funded by the Bar Council Scholarship Trust, the prizes are as follows:

• Winner: £4,000 and their essay will be published on Counsel magazine’s website
• Runner up: £3,000
• Highly commended award x4: £750

All winning, runner up and highly commended essays will be published on the Bar Council website and shared via their social media channels.  

Have a look at their website for more guidance/details, including the rules, but some key information as follows:

• Maximum of 3000 words
• Your essay must:
  • Identify and make the case for a law reform that is desirable, practical and useful
  • Be about a reform to English, Welsh or European law
  • Propose reform that is legislative or propose reform to common law
• AI may only be used for research, proofreading and checking spelling and a record must be kept of all searches
• Any topic open to you
• Referencing must be Harvard or Oscola
• If you win, you must be able to show proof of your eligibility.

Go and have a look at the competition guidance, as well as see the work of all past winners. Deadline is 23rd October 2026 at 5pm.