The competition, organised in association with A&L Goodbody, promotes student engagement with contemporary human rights and equality issues while offering a meaningful career opportunity for aspiring legal professionals.

The winning entry will receive a one month’s paid internship with A&L Goodbody in summer 2026 and a cash prize.

The essay question is: “Despite years of progress on the protection of the rule of law in Ireland, Ireland’s progress on a number of rule of law issues has stagnated. Discuss how the rule of law in Ireland can be strengthened to ensure adequate protections for vulnerable groups.”

Candidates can address topics such as reform to the civil legal aid scheme, groups who still face barriers to civil justice such as disabled individuals, migrants and travellers, language barriers and insufficient interpretation services

Essays should be a maximum of 1,500 words including footnotes, citations and bibliography — and the use of generative AI is prohibited.

The competition is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students regardless of subject/discipline currently enrolled at third-level institutions in Ireland.

Entries must be submitted by email to hrecessaycompetition@lawsociety.ie by Friday 27 February 2026 at 5pm.

Shortlisted candidates will be called for in person interviews by the judging panel in Dublin to present their essays, with judges’ decision communicated to entrants in April 2026.

For more information, see the Law Society website.