NSC Beyond Boundaries Essay Competition 2023

The theme of this year’s UK Disability History Month (UKDHM), which starts on 16 November, is the Experience of Disablement. The focus is on exploring the experiences of disabled children and young people, both in the past and present, and identifying the necessary steps for the future. UKDHM takes a Social Model/Human Rights approach, aiming to ensure that all children and young individuals with long-term impairments are shielded from social exclusion, which includes the burden of stigma, stereotypes, negative attitudes, and artificially created barriers within their environment and organisational structures.

Crucial to effecting positive change is the way we perceive impairment and disablement.

At New Square Chambers, we firmly believe that enhancing the diversity of the legal profession benefits the profession, our clients, and the public as a whole. Disabled practitioners remain notably underrepresented at the Bar: the Diversity at the Bar report published by the Bar Standards Board in January 2023 indicates that 4.4% of barristers have a declared disability, compared to approximately 24% of the UK population.

In line with the principles of UKDHM, and to bolster access to the Bar for those with disabilities, we are launching a new essay competition entitled ‘NSC: Beyond Boundaries’. This competition is open to undergraduate and post-graduate students (Law degree not required) who have a disability within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010-defined disabilities. The winners will receive a mini-pupillage* from Chambers and a legal book voucher**.

For more detailed information about UK Disability History Month, please visit: https://ukdhm.org/

See how you can enter our Essay Competition in the flyer below.

Entries are open from 16 November and will close on 16 December 2023. Please email socialmobility@newsquarechambers.co.uk with your completed entries.

Winners will be announced on 16 January 2024.

Download Essay Competition Flyer

* New Square Chambers is situated within the historic confines of a Grade I listed building at Lincoln’s Inn. We are dedicated to ensuring accessibility for all and will make every effort to accommodate reasonable adjustments within the limitations of our Grade I listed premises. In the rare event that in-person accommodation is not possible, we are pleased to offer remote alternatives.

** The legal book voucher prize applies to 1st and 2nd place awards only.