Kalisher Essay Competition 2026 – Winner and runner-up announced
The Trust is delighted to announce that Bridgit Tai, a recent Bar Course graduate at BPP, is the winner of the Trust’s 2026 Essay competition. Lucy Burgin, a pupil at 3 Raymond Buildings received the runner up prize.
Bridgit and Lucy submitted outstanding essays, in a high-quality field of entries, which continues to be a very popular part of the Trust’s support for under-represented groups seeking a career at the criminal Bar. Our annual essay competition is open to any pupil undertaking a criminal pupillage, those who are undertaking the BPTC and those who have completed the BPTC and are awaiting / applying for pupillage. All entries are assessed anonymously by a panel drawn from the Trust.
The entrants were asked to respond to this essay question:
“Prosecutions for “misconduct in public office” require careful assessment of whether an employee of an institution that fulfils a government function also performs the same function. R v Pearce (2025) EWCR 12 is a case in point.
In pre-trial rulings, the judge decides, not the jury.
How do the courts approach this issue? Have they got the balance right? Is precedent enough or is a new statutory definition required in the interests of consistency.”
The judging panel commented on Bridgit’s entry as follows:
“It is a really well researched, well-structured and sophisticated answer.”
Reflecting on her achievement, Bridgit said:
“I am very grateful to have been selected as the winner of this year’s competition. Misconduct in public office is a genuinely interesting topic to explore, particularly the question of where the limitations of common law development lie and what legislation must supply in its place. I found myself agreeing with Lord Bingham that the rule of law assigns important responsibilities to Parliament, not least in ensuring the clarity and consistency that the criminal law requires. It was a rewarding research journey to examine how far the courts have taken us and how far the Public Office (Accountability) Bill must carry us further. I have had as much pleasure in the research itself as in receiving this award from the Trust. I hope the Trust will continue its vital mission for many years to come.”
Lucy commented:
“Grappling with the law on misconduct in public office was particularly interesting in light of ongoing current affairs, and I am pleased to have been recognised in a field of what I’m sure were exceptional entrants. I am grateful to the Kalisher Trust for organising the competition and to all those who took the time to mark our essays.
Many congratulations to Bridgit!”
Congratulations Bridgit and Lucy! Thank you to all those who entered this year’s competition and to our panel of Trustees / Senior Counsel Group members who assessed each entry.
A copy of Bridgit’s essay can be found here: Bridgit Tai – Kalisher Trust Essay Competition
