University of Northampton graduate Amy is finalist in national legal competition

A University of Northampton law graduate has been named as a finalist in a nationwide competition to find the country’s brightest Future Legal Mind.

Amy Leech beat competition from budding lawyers across the country to be named on the shortlist for the annual Future Legal Mind Award.

Amy studied at the University of Northampton before joining Shoosmiths LLP in Milton Keynes as a Trainee Solicitor.

The 24-year-old is set to qualify as a solicitor in September and is an active aspiring lawyer, serving as chairperson of The Law Society’s Junior Lawyers Division for Northants and Bucks and a Junior Representative for Northamptonshire Law Society.

Amy said: “When I found out that I had been shortlisted for the Future Legal Mind 2019, I was absolutely delighted and so proud of myself - I could not stop smiling for the rest of the day.”

The competition, now in its fifth year, is run by National Accident Helpline to give a boost to the fledgling careers of the nation’s most promising legal talent.

Law students and those in the first two years of their legal career were invited to submit an essay about their legal ambitions and how having a legally-trained mind would benefit them, their local community and society.

Their responses were whittled down to a shortlist of 10, including Amy, who were all asked to submit a home-made video to support their written entry. To watch the videos, visit www.national-accident-helpline.co.uk/future-legal-mind.

The essays and videos will be reviewed by judges as they decide who will be named Future Legal Mind 2019.

Tom Fitzgerald, Managing Director of National Accident Helpline, said: “We received some excellent entries from law students and trainees who were clearly very passionate about pursuing a career in Law.

“Amy submitted an essay and video to us which clearly demonstrated her commitment and enthusiasm, and we wish her the best of luck in the competition.”

The winner of Future Legal Mind will be named in May and will receive a prize package including valuable mentoring and networking experience.

The winner will meet with a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice and will receive mentoring advice from experienced lawyers within the National Accident Helpline team.

They will also star in a showcase film highlighting their skills and receive a prize fund of £2,000.