The Future Lawyer of the Year Award 2026

We're searching for university students across the UK to find an outstanding Future Lawyer Undergraduate of the Year. We're looking for undergraduates who see the law not just as rules to learn, but as a powerful tool to shape society, break barriers, and drive meaningful change. This award celebrates future lawyers who bring curiosity, innovation, and determination to the way they think about legal challenges.

 More than just an award, this is a platform to showcase your potential and take ownership of your legal career. It's your chance to demonstrate critical and ethical thinking, gain recognition from Freshfields — a firm at the forefront of law for nearly 300 years — and share your vision for shaping the future of the industry.

 To enter this award, you must be:

• Interested in Law and studying a degree of any discipline
• On track for a 2:1

A Future Lawyer of the Year isn't just someone with strong academic results — they're a forward-thinking problem-solver who can see beyond the textbook. They're curious about the world around them, committed to justice and equality, and able to apply innovative legal thinking to real-world challenges. The Future Lawyer of the Year should:

• Show curiosity about society, justice, and the law's role in driving positive change
• Bring fresh perspectives and creative solutions to complex legal and ethical issues
• Demonstrate resilience and adaptability when navigating complexity and ambiguity

You could win £1,000 to invest in a professional development course of your choice, whether that's leadership training, public speaking, negotiation skills, project management, or any specialized area that will enhance your professional skills to become a lawyer. On top of that, you'll enjoy an exclusive dinner with Freshfields partners, offering you a unique opportunity to build connections, gain career insights, and learn directly from leaders at the very top of the legal world.