If you’re not too bogged down with assessments, there are lots of opportunities to flex your legal writing muscles and be in with a chance of some prize money and general acclaim. Here are the current options:
Professional Negligence Bar Association
The competition is aimed at law students who have not yet secured the next step in their legal careers (for example) a pupillage or training contract and who are, or have been during the academic year of 2025-2026, in part-time or full-time higher education (including vocational training prior to becoming a solicitor or barrister). Excitingly, entries are judged by Baroness Carr, Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, and President of the PNBA.
The title
“The defence of illegality in professional negligence claims remains a battleground between public policy and professional accountability. In light of the decisions in Patel v Mirza [2016] UKSC 42, Stoffel & Co v Grondona [2020] UKSC 42, and Lewis-Ranwell v G4S Health Services [2026] UKSC 2, have the courts now achieved a fair balance?”
Timeline and key dates
You have a deadline of 27 November 2026 and prize winners will be announced in January 2027. Not too long to be in suspense!
Prizes
- The winner: £200 and publication in Journal of Professional Negligence.
- The runner-up: £150
- Third place: £100
All prize winners will be offered work experience in one of the Chambers of the PNBA’s Executive Committee.
The important stuff
Be sure to check the competition website, which includes links to the competition rules and also the plagiarism policy. Those entering the competition should read them carefully and ensure that they fulfil and follow all the criteria.
12KBW Tort Law Awards 2026
We did flag this one up last month but a reminder: the deadline is this Thursday – 12th November 2026 at 5pm. Here’s the question:
“[T]he [tort] system is about as fair as a lottery. In fact, it is not too much to say that it is a lottery, a lottery by law.”
– P.S. Atiyah, The Damages Lottery (1997)
Do you agree? Should the system be changed?
Judging duties will be undertaken by the Honourable Mr Justice Cotter who will decide who will be awarded three cash prizes: £2,000 (1st prize), £1,250 (2nd prize), and £750 (3rd prize). The Honourable Mr Justice Cotter is a High Court Judge specialising in tort law. The winners will be announced in early 2027.
All prize-winning essays will be published on the 12KBW website and the winners will also be offered the chance to undertake a mini-pupillage at 12KBW.
Have a close look at the competition page for more information on the rules (esp on use of generative AI). You will also find the submission form there.