Lechmere Essay Prize

This competition is CLOSED and will reopen in Summer 2025.

One prize of £500 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 members of the Inn who are students or 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 declaration which is provided with the essay topics. Entries must be sent to the Scholarships Officer at scholarshipapplications@middletemple.org.uk.

The Guidance on Plagiarism and Note on Penalties can be found here - please read this carefully.

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.