School of Law student wins Parklane Plowden essay prize

The essay had to answer the question “What are the most pressing equality, diversity and inclusion issues facing the Bar today, and how can we overcome them?”

Earlier this year Parklane Plowden partnered with the School of Law, University of Leeds to invite our students to write an essay for a chance to win £250 and be published on their website. 

Parklane Plowden is a leading barrister set with locations in Leeds and Newcastle and is committed to increasing diversity at the Bar generally, and Chambers specifically.  

The essay submissions had to answer the question “What are the most pressing equality, diversity and inclusion issues facing the Bar today, and how can we overcome them?” and the entries were judged by barristers at Parklane. 

It is up to both future and current lawyers to make an effort to continue learning about where the profession stands in our ever diversifying society, and make ourselves aware of the issues that remain in order to address them, creating a more equitable field.   

Katherine Lytle

School of Law undergraduate LLB student Katherine Lytle won the prize for her essay “The Bar: Achieving Equality For All – An Analysis of the Issues Concerning Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity at England’s Bar”. 

Katherine told us “I decided to enter the competition because the topic of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity in the legal profession is something that I find interesting and thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about it. I believe that learning about Law should go beyond the classroom. 

“I am honored that Parklane Plowden chose my essay as the winning submission. I would also like to thank them and the Law School for providing this opportunity for students to learn about a very important issue in our profession”.   

Katherine will graduate in Spring 2023 and hopes to pursue a career in Commercial Law. 

Read Katherine’s essay.