York student takes home top prize at legal awards ceremony

Posted on Thursday 2 April 2015

Amy Loughery, an undergraduate in York Law School, fought off stiff competition from four rivals in her category to secure £5,000 towards her legal studies, as well as a coveted placement at leading law firm Colemans-ctts.

The 21-year-old from Leeds, who is the first in her family to go to university, was asked to demonstrate a combination of original thinking and sharp legal insight in response to the question: “If the justice system were a blank canvas and you had the power to structure it, what you would do in terms of access to justice?”

Amy's response – which impressed an expert panel of judges – has been published as part of her prize by Lawyer2B.com, the leading publication aimed at aspiring lawyers.

Amy accepted her award at a lunch in the Old Court Room at the historic Lincoln’s Inn in Chancery Lane, central London.

She said: “I’m absolutely elated to have won this award, and I’m very much looking to the work experience placement Colemans-ctts have planned for me this summer. I was incredibly surprised to win, and it’s been lovely to meet the other candidates and the judges. The whole experience has given me a real boost.”

Russell Atkinson, CEO of National Accident Helpline and chair of the judging panel, said: “I would like to congratulate Amy on her tremendous achievement. The quality of the entries in our inaugural award was extremely high, but the belief she showed in the principle of access to justice really shone through.

“Amy is fully deserving of this award, and I hope the £5,000 prize will give her the boost she needs to kick-start a successful and rewarding legal career.”

Janet Tilley, National Managing Partner at Colemans-ctts, said: “We have been thrilled to team up with National Accident Helpline to provide this exceptional opportunity for young lawyers. The judging panel was blown away by the wealth of talent uncovered, and we were particularly impressed by Amy’s crystal-clear commitment to the principle of access to justice.

“Amy can expect her placement at Colemans-ctts to give her the best possible start to her career in law, and we look forward to welcoming her to our Manchester office this summer.”

Students can already register their interest in next year’s Future Legal Mind, with applications set to open later this year.