Chambers is delighted to announce that Andrew Pickin, one of our pupils, is the winner of the Kalisher Trust’s 2021 Essay competition. The competition is open to any pupil, and is assessed anonymously by a panel drawn from the Trust. The competition is a very popular part of the Trust’s support for under-represented groups seeking a career at the criminal Bar.
The entrants were asked to respond to this essay question:
“Covid19 lockdown rules have been described by some as among the most onerous restrictions to personal liberty since Oliver Cromwell’s time. As a “government lawyer” advise your Minister as to the pros and cons of any submission that recent public health legislation is a disproportionate breach of human rights law”
The Trust decided that Andrew submitted an outstanding essay in a high-quality field. Andrew was congratulated on his win and given his prize by Rob Rinder in a virtual ceremony, who told Andrew, ‘you represent the very spirit and essence of why the Trust does this work – and produced an excellent essay’.
Reflecting on his win, Andrew said:
“I’m thrilled to have been chosen as the winner of this year’s Competition. In these uncertain times, it’s wonderful to have this boost at the beginning of my career. The essay question touched upon an issue I believe we have all been deeply interested in, and concerned with, throughout the lockdown period. For my answer to be praised by the judging panel in this way gives me the confidence to advise and advocate for clients in the second half of my pupillage.
“The fact that I have been able to attend court and observe criminal proceedings during my first-six, despite the Pandemic, is a testament to the Criminal Bar. I am privileged to be joining a profession that sacrifices so much to ensure justice continues, notwithstanding the many obstacles in its way. The Kalisher Trust is an exceptional organisation that plays a crucial role in allowing aspiring barristers to become a part of this profession. I am extremely grateful for its help in allowing me to pursue my career aspirations and for its very generous financial support during my second-six.”