ICCA student is finalist in leading law competition

We are delighted to announce that one of our current Part Two Bar students has been named as a finalist in a leading law competition.

Bevan Mariadas has reached the last 10 in National Accident Helpline’s Future Legal Mind Award 2021.

The essay-based, national competition for law students and legal trainees attracted a record number of submissions this year. The winner will receive a £2,000 prize fund and mentoring with experienced lawyers.

Future Legal Mind’s entrants were asked to write an essay setting out their ‘legal passions’ and an area of the law that they would like to see reformed.

‘Having previously worked as a paralegal for the NHS, Bevan feels passionately about the issue of clinical negligence. In his essay, he argues that the law on psychiatric injury for secondary victims is in need of urgent reform as it is no longer in stride with the modern understanding of mental illness. He believes that the current criterion for psychiatric injury claims represents a “remarkably steep challenge” for claimants.

Bevan said: “Being shortlisted is a great honour. It’s a fantastic accomplishment to add to future pupillage applications. It also gives me great confidence, knowing that I can persuade an audience through my written advocacy.”

Each of the Future Legal Mind finalists has recorded a video explaining why they should be named the winner. To watch Bevan’s video, click here.

Will Herbertson, Marketing and Strategy Director at NAHL Group, said: “Bevan’s clearly very knowledgeable and shows a genuine desire to help protect the interests of those seeking a legal resolution for psychiatric injuries. We wish him the best of luck for the final.”

The winner will be revealed on National Accident Helpline’s website this month.

Congratulations, Bevan, we are all very proud of you.