Jonathan Jackson

Students Robin Clarke and Tara McFeely split this year’s award, which is given to the student from the Masters in Law course who scored the highest overall mark in their dissertation module.

The duo will also split the £1,500 prize money.

The awards were presented at the School of Law’s annual prizegiving ceremony by the Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, Dame Siobhan Keegan.

Speaking about the success, Robin Clarke said: “Growing up, I always struggled at school with my ADHD. There was a time I thought I wouldn’t make it through high school.

“Winning the Gateley Legal NI prize or any academic award would have been unimaginable for most of my life. I am forever indebted to my family and the teachers who believed in me.”

Tara McFeely added: “I am thrilled to be awarded the Gateley Legal NI Prize for my LLM dissertation.

“Months of research and dedication went into producing this piece of work, and it feels very rewarding to have those efforts recognised as I conclude my time at Queen’s.”

Jonathan Jackson, legal director at Gateley Legal NI and a Queen’s alumnus, said: “Congratulations to Robin and Tara on their richly-deserved success.

“Gateley continues to champion the next generation of talented lawyers emerging across Northern Ireland and we are proud to have again supported Queen’s with this award.

“Having split winners is testament to the outstanding talent amongst this year’s student pool and we wish both Robin and Tara’s all the best in their promising careers.”

Earlier this year, Gateley Legal NI continued its support for young legal talent by welcoming two newly-qualified solicitors and three new trainee solicitors, taking the total number of trainees to six in Belfast.