One prize of £1,000 may be awarded every year for an essay from a member of the Middle Temple on a prescribed topic of no more than 3,000 words. The word count does not include footnotes, but footnotes should be used for pure reference purposes and not include analysis.
Submissions will be accepted from student members of the Inn or members who are newly Called and looking for pupillage or currently undertaking pupillage. Candidates must intend to practise at the Bar of England and Wales.
Entries must be typed and clearly marked with the entrant’s name and student number. They must be accompanied by an electronically signed and dated copy of the cover sheet, including declaration. Entries must be sent to the Scholarships Officer at scholarshipapplications@middletemple.org.uk.
Please also read the Guidance on Plagiarism and Note on Penalties provided below carefully.
The 2026 competition is NOW OPEN.
“Military bases on disputed islands are a threat to international peace and security”. Discuss.
The deadline for 2026 submissions is Monday 31 August 2026 @ 4pm.
You can find the cover sheet that you need to download and submit alongside your essay at the bottom of this page, as well as a guidance document.
Past Winners
2025
Kevin Khoo
Click here to read his essay.
2024
Catrin Gregory-Wallace
Click here to read her essay.
2023
Saniya Mehmood
Click here to read her essay.
2021
Sapandeep Singh Maini-Thompson
Click here to read his essay.
2020
Imogen Beltrami
Click here to read her essay.
First runner up: Robert Lewis
Click here to read his essay.
Second runner up: Lara Sheehan
Click here to read her essay.
2019
Timothy Hall
Click here to read his essay.
2018
Christian Fox
2017
Toby Roseman
2016
Rebecca de Hoest
2015
Jointly awarded to Daniel Black and Daniel Grutters
2014
James Beeton
2013
Eyimoyowa Ekperigin