CIArb South East Branch Essay Writing Competition in partnership with the University of Law

CIArb’s South East Branch is pleased to have the University of Law, one of the leading U.K. providers of legal education, as their partner in developing a new student essay competition specifically for those with an interest in dispute resolution.

The objective is to create the premier competition of its type in the UK. The subject of the essays is any aspect of ADR to include arbitration, adjudication and mediation. It is open to all undergraduates, graduates and those undertaking professional training not just in law, but in any subject which covers ADR as part of its program.

L – R: Rosemary Jackson QC; Dr Paresh Kathrani; Lord Neuberger; Jonathan Wood MCIArb; Charles Brown C.Arb FCIArb; Sir Robert Akenhead; Geoffrey Beresford-Hartwell FCIArb

Last night, at the University of Law Moorgate Campus in London, the Awards Reception was held and attended by winners, competition judges, and esteemed guests. The evening started with a drinks reception, which shortly succeeded by Margaret Matthews (Campus Manager, The University of Law) welcoming everyone to the venue. It was followed by a speech by Charles Brown C.Arb FCIArb (Chairman, CIArb South East Branch and CIArb Past President) who emphasised the importance of CIArb’s objective in line with education and training by engaging more with students as they represent the future of the institute. In his speech, Charles also said:

“I offer my congratulations to all the entrants and particularly our six finalists for the very high quality of their essays.

A prestigious competition with the highest quality entries requires prestigious high quality judges and we are honoured to have as the head of the judging panel Lord Neuberger, the Chancellor of the University of Law and past president of the UK Supreme Court. The other members of our supreme court are Sir Robert Akenhead previously head of the TCC, Rosemary Jackson QC, one of our most sought-after commercial mediators, Professor Stavros Brekoulakis of Queen Mary University of London and editor-in-chief of “The International Journal of arbitration, mediation and dispute management”, and Geoffrey Beresford-Hartwell, our most senior and respected arbitrator in the branch.

I must also thank my good friend Pauline Makepeace who drafted the rules of the competition and the assessment process and of course Margaret for her help and putting up with my barrage of emails!”.

Michael Frisby FCIArb (Partner, Stevens & Bolton and Committee Member, CIArb South East Branch) offered a few words on behalf of Stevens & Bolton LLP who offered a unique opportunity to this year’s winner to learn more about ADR through a one-month internship.

The Rt. Hon. Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury then addressed the audience, announced the winners, and presented the award with Charles Brown C.Arb FCIArb.

From top left: Margaret Matthews; Michael Frisby FCIArb; Charles Brown C.Arb FCIArb; Lord Neuberger

The winners in attendance: Alexander Cotton (2^nd runner up: £1,250 prize) and Ben Williams (Winner: £2,500 and one-month internship at leading law firm Stevens & Bolton LLP. The winning essay will be published in the quarterly CIArb “Journal of Arbitration” which is sent to over 16,000 CIArb members worldwide”).

Ben Williams - Essay Writing Competition winner

Alexander Cotton – 2^nd runner up winner

The third prize winner Agatha Rockson, who was unable to make it to the event, will receive a £750 prize.

After the awards, participants resumed to engaging with each other with celebratory drinks.

As part of CIArb’s commitment to education, training and the general development of ADR, the institute offers free Student Membership via the website.