The inaugural Bishop & Sewell Legal Research Awards, held in partnership with City Law School, took place on 28 May at the firm’s Russell Square offices. Open to all LPC students at City Law School, contestants were invited to submit a legal research memorandum answering questions based on a well-known copyright case and then 5 finalists went before a panel of judges to present their findings. The finalists were also given the opportunity to talk informally to staff about a career in Law.
The judges were very impressed with the high calibre of the finalists and were unanimous in awarding first place to Marianne Johnson who won a cash prize and a week’s work experience at the Bishop & Sewell. Runners up were Matthew Manso de Zuniga and Alex Braune.
Winner, Marianne Johnson (centre) with runners-up Alex Braune (left) and Matthew Manso de Zuniga (right).
Marianne Johnson, Winner of the Legal Research Awards, said:
“The competition was a chance to test the Legal Research and Writing skills I have learnt on the LPC regarding a fun fact pattern but challenging area of law. Having to think practically about the client’s objectives forced me to go further in my research by including commercial as well as legal considerations. Having presented the research, I now feel more confident proposing my findings, and have gained valuable insight into the type of research tasks I will have to deal with in practice.“
Michael Gillman, Partner at Bishop & Sewell, commented:
“While access to information in the digital age has been made much easier, legal research remains an important skill which any aspiring lawyer needs to master. We are delighted to be working with City Law School to not only help students apply the skills they are learning but to also give them the chance to connect with our colleagues and become more informed about following a career in Law.”
James Catchpole, Director of the Legal Practice Course at City Law School, added:
“The City Law School heartily congratulates Marianne Johnson on being the recipient of the inaugural Bishop & Sewell Legal Research Awards. As one of the UK’s premier institutions of legal education, City Law School is delighted to be partnering with Bishop & Sewell to refine the vital research skills of legal professionals in anticipation of the new Solicitor’s Qualification Examination (SQE).”
Forming part of our engagement with the local community, the Legal Research Awards is a great way for Bishop & Sewell to support local students, encourage research skills, nurture new talent and understand the needs of law schools in anticipation of the new SQE (Solicitors’ Qualification Examination).
For more information on our CSR & Community activities, please visit our CSR page.
