NADA Aswad could be in line for a £5,000 prize and a work placement at law firm Simpson Millar, having wowed the award’s judges with an essay on the future of legal services for firms and consumers.

Nada is a final year law student at the University of London (Birkbeck). During her degree Nada has dedicated all of her evenings, weekends and holidays to studying, as she has combined reading law with a full-time job as a corporate PA in order to fund her studies.

Nada’s desire to pursue a career in the legal profession stems from her fascination about the relationship between law, economics and finance.

In her spare time, Nada enjoys travelling to countries with a rich cultural heritage. One of her favourite destinations is Jordan.

Nada is one of 10 finalists for Future Legal Mind 2016, which will be presented at a glamorous ceremony at the historic Lincoln’s Inn in central London on Wednesday 9 March.

Whatever happens on the day, Nada will not go away empty handed. Alongside the overall prize of £5,000, there’s a prize of £2,000 for the next-placed candidate, while all eight remaining finalists will receive a cheque for £250.

Candidates were asked to answer the question:

Is the commoditisation of legal services inevitable and is a commercial approach more likely to compromise or enhance the quality of advice and service to consumers?

Nada Aswad, Future Legal Mind 2016 finalist, said:

“I am truly honoured to be selected as a finalist in such a prestigious competition. I almost decided not to submit the essay as I thought I would have no chance; however, I am glad I did!”

Simon Trott, Managing Director of National Accident Helpline and chair of judges for Future Legal Mind, said:

“In a rapidly changing legal landscape it’s vital that our future lawyers are able to strike the right balance between the commercial demands of the profession and the need to protect access to justice and high quality legal services.

“We have been very struck by the strength of some of the entries for the award, which provided real food for thought for some seasoned industry veterans.”

If you (or a law student you know) fancy your chances at winning next year’s award, set to be launched later this year, registration for entrants is open now at: https://www.national-accident-helpline.co.uk/future-legal-mind