Deka Chambers organises a legal essay writing competition in memory of dear friend and talented barrister, Aqeel H Noorali.
Aqeel was a talented and dedicated barrister who particularly enjoyed arguing novel points of law.
We want to honour Aqeel’s memory by encouraging the next generation of lawyers to prepare thoughtful, cogent, and persuasive written arguments: a talent Aqeel possessed in abundance.
Applications for this year’s competition are now open until 31 March 2023.
Entrants should be aged between 16 – 19 from non-fee paying schools in England and Wales at the time of entry to the competition.
The top prize is £1,000 and a mini-pupillage, and there are also cash prizes for runners-up.
Click here for further information and application details.
Much of children law involves the exploration of the facts relating to the child’s care and welfare, often coloured by the complex relationship dynamics between the adult protagonists. Occasionally, however, the facts which need to be established can be more fundamental. In John v Jane…
By Laura Hibberd Re E (A Child) (Special Guardianship Order: Public Law Proceedings) [2026] EWCA Civ 1167 Special guardianship orders are often thought of as the “middle ground” of permanence: more secure than a care order, less final than adoption, and with the child’s legal…
By Tim Parker KC The President of the Family Division handed down judgment on 29th September 2026 the decision in the first appeal following the introduction of Child-Focused Courts pilot. In Re C (Child Arrangements Orders; Domestic Abuse; Child Focused Court) [2026] EWCA Civ 1216…
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