2021 Kalisher Essay Prize: Winner Announced
The Trust is delighted to announce that Andrew Pickin, a pupil at KBW Chambers in Leeds, is the winner of the Trust’s 2021 Essay competition. Andrew submitted an outstanding essay, and is a worthy winner in a high-quality field, which continues to be a very popular part of the Trust’s support for under-represented groups seeking a career at the criminal Bar. The essay competition is open to any pupil, and is assessed anonymously by a panel drawn from the Trust.
The entrants were asked to respond to this essay question:
“Covid19 lockdown rules have been described by some as among the most onerous restrictions to personal liberty since Oliver Cromwell’s time. As a “government lawyer” advise your Minister as to the pros and cons of any submission that recent public health legislation is a disproportionate breach of human rights law”
Andrew was congratulated on his win and given his prize by Rob Rinder in a virtual ceremony. Rob is a former member of 2 Hare Court, as was our founder Michael Kalisher QC, and Rob reflected that Michael ‘represented the best of the independent Bar’. Turning to the essay entrants, Rob praised all the entrants, who in writing and submitting their essays had ‘decided to go the extra mile…providing clear, understandable and brave advice – they show the wealth of talent at the junior end of the Bar’. Rob ended by congratulating the worthy winner, Andrew Pickin, telling Andrew ‘you represent the very spirit and essence of why the Trust does this work – and produced an excellent essay’.
Reflecting on his win, Andrew said:
“I’m thrilled to have been chosen as the winner of this year’s Kalisher Essay Competition. In these uncertain times, it’s wonderful to have this boost at the beginning of my career. The essay question touched upon an issue I believe we have all been deeply interested in, and concerned with, throughout the lockdown period. For my answer to be praised by the judging panel in this way gives me the confidence to advise and advocate for clients in the second half of my pupillage.
“The fact that I have been able to attend court and observe criminal proceedings during my first-six, despite the Pandemic, is a testament to the Criminal Bar. I am privileged to be joining a profession that sacrifices so much to ensure justice continues, notwithstanding the many obstacles in its way. The Kalisher Trust is an exceptional organisation that plays a crucial role in allowing aspiring barristers to become a part of this profession. I am extremely grateful for its help in allowing me to pursue my career aspirations and for its very generous financial support during my second-six.”
Andrew Pickin