The Access to Justice Foundation Student Competition 2011
Do you have a passion for writing and pro bono work? Here is a fantastic opportunity to get your voice heard across the legal profession. The Access to Justice Foundation and LawWorks are inviting law students to enter their second annual competition, by submitting an article between 750 and 1000 words entitled:
“Should it be compulsory to seek pro bono costs?”
Prize
The winner will receive the Access to Justice Foundation Student Prize, which will be presented at the student awards at the House of Commons on 30 March 2011 and their article will be published. They will also receive £300 of book vouchers kindly donated by LexisNexis to spend on books from their range.
How to take part
Please submit your article in Word format to competition@ATJF.org.uk by the deadline of 5pm 01 March 2011. Undergraduate and postgraduate law students may apply, including LPC and BPTC students. Included are those awaiting commencement of their law course or their training contact/pupillage. The competition will be judged by the Board of Trustees of the Foundation chaired by former Attorney General Lord Goldsmith QC.
Further Details |
|
|
What are pro bono costs? Pro bono costs are the equivalent of legal costs for when a winning party had free legal representation. The costs order reflects the financial value of the pro bono help provided. Section 194 of the Legal Services Act 2007 requires the costs be paid to the Access to Justice Foundation, so they can be distributed to support organisations providing free legal help. However, the use of pro bono costs amongst the profession remains modest, and therefore so does the amount of funds raised.
|
What to discuss in your article? The article should be aimed at the legal profession. Articles may wish to discuss the pros and cons of making pro bono costs compulsory, whether to the client, their pro bono lawyer, or the Foundation and the public need. In addition, whether it would be feasible to make the costs compulsory, or if there are alternative ways to ensure lawyers seek, and judges award, pro bono costs. |
Best of luck!
Download information leaflet here.