City of London Solicitors' Company Prize 2024 Winners Announced!

Joint Winners Announced for 2024 City of London Solicitors’ Company Prize

Emily Louise from Hogan Lovells and Oliver Jones from Mayer Brown have been selected as the winners of the 2024 City of London Solicitors’ Company Prize, awarded annually for outstanding submissions by City law firm trainees.

The City of London Solicitors’ Company (CLSC) has announced the joint winners of the 2024 City of London Solicitors’ Company Prize. For the first time in the prize's history, the award, which recognizes promising City law firm trainees, has been given to not one but two outstanding individuals: Emily Louise from Hogan Lovells and Oliver Jones from Mayer Brown.

The competition this year centred on the theme: "How would you describe, to a non-lawyer, what the rule of law is, why it’s important, and what part City solicitors play in upholding it?" Contestants were required to submit a 500-word essay, with the strongest submissions then invited to an interview with Sarah de Gay, Master of the CLSC, and Charlotte Wanendeya, Vice-Chair of the City of London Law Society Training Committee.

Emily’s essay defined the rule of law by what it is not, stressing its importance in maintaining fairness, transparency, and democratic freedoms. She addressed recent UK challenges and affirmed the role of City solicitors in promoting the rule of law through legal counsel, community engagement, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.  She ended with a challenge to us all to remember to be stewards of justice, and to reflect on the rule of law in our everyday actions/inactions.

Oliver’s essay recognised the rule of law as a contested concept but went on to examine its core and uncontroversial elements: equality, certainty, legality, and access to justice. He highlighted its role in maintaining democratic governance, social order, and a stable economy, while emphasizing the importance of legal clarity and the ability of independent courts to prevent abuse of power. He also acknowledged the role which adherence to ethical guidelines (such as honesty, integrity and independence) plays when it comes to upholding the rule of law.  

Oliver Jones stated, “It was a pleasure to participate in this year’s competition, particularly as it focused on such an important topic. Winning the prize is a huge honour and I’m grateful to the City of London Solicitors’ Company for strongly encouraging and facilitating the professional development of City solicitors. I look forward to supporting and getting involved in further CLSC initiatives going forwards, such as the charitable and social opportunities that the organisation offers.”

Emily Louise commented, "I am delighted to have been awarded this prize. The focus on upholding the rule of law, especially as it relates to both equal access and equality before the law, is an important topic to me and so it was a privilege to be able to reflect on this through my submission. I would like to thank my mentors at Hogan Lovells for their continued support, as well as all of those at the City of London Solicitors’ Company for providing this opportunity.”

Sarah de Gay, Master of the CLSC, added, "We are thrilled to recognize Emily Louise and Oliver Jones as this year’s winners. Their essays were insightful and our conversations with them demonstrated a profound understanding of the rule of law and its critical importance to our society. This is the first time we have had joint winners, and it reflects the high calibre of entries we received this year."

 The full essays of Emily Louise and Oliver Jones and will be featured in the upcoming edition of CitySolicitor magazine.