Aqeel H Noorali Essay Competition
(June 2026 - September 2026)

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Overview: 

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Are you interested in legal writing? Do you think you can prepare thoughtful, cogent and persuasive arguments? BVL has partnered with Deka Chambers to organise a legal essay writing competition in memory of dear friend and talented barrister, Aqeel H Noorali. 

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The top prize is £1,000 and a mini-pupillage, and there are also cash prizes for runners up. The competition is open from 26 June 2026 to 11 September 2026.

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Winners and runners up will be invited to attend the Aqeel H Noorali Essay Competition Reception. Attendance at the Competition Reception is mandatory to qualify for the First, Second and Third Prize. This year, the Competition Reception will be on a date to be confirmed in November 2026 at Deka Chambers. This is subject to confirmation but attendees will be informed within a reasonable period if there is any proposed change of date, time, or venue.

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Enter now:

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To enter, candidates should upload their submissions as a pdf or Word document to this link.

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The essay title for the 2026 competition is as follows: 

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""Papers, please." Are fears about mandatory digital identification overstated?" 

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There is a 1000 word limit. 

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If you would like to receive occasional emails reminding you to submit your essay, please ​provide your email here.

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To be eligible for the competition, participants must be full-time students aged 16 - 19 years at non-fee-paying schools in England and Wales at the time of entry to the competition. Please see the terms and conditions of entry.