Edinburgh University student wins inaugural £1,000 essay prize

Sharon Mala, a Kenyan-Swiss student studying an LLB (Hons) in law and politics, was the outstanding entrant in the competition, which was open to law students across Scotland.

She was presented with the trophy at a reception last night at the Signet Library, hosted by former BBC broadcaster Jackie Bird.

The Andrew Murray Signature Prize was launched by Murray Beith Murray LLP earlier this year to find the next generation of talented lawyers emerging in Scotland. It is named in honour of Andrew Murray, who established the practice in Edinburgh in 1849 when he joined in partnership with Donald Beith.

The original documents were on display last night at the Signet Library reception, which was attended by around 150 guests.

Judges were impressed by Ms Mala’s insightful essay on the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of AI in the legal sector.

As well as a £1,000 prize, she will also see her essay published by the Journal of the Law Society of Scotland. In addition, she will be invited to interview for a legal traineeship at Murray Beith Murray.

Born and raised in Switzerland, the student from Geneva has developed a keen interest in private law, particularly private client, family and child law. She is also a classical pianist, a basketball player and a boxer – having won bouts at Edinburgh’s Student Fight Night and Port O’Leith Boxing Club.

Speaking after receiving the prize, she said: “I am delighted and honoured to be the first recipient of the Andrew Murray Signature Prize. It is hugely exciting to have the opportunity to secure a legal traineeship at Murray Beith Murray, which I know is a prestigious practice with an unrivalled reputation in private client law.”

Andrew Paterson, chairman of Murray Beith Murray, said: “Sharon is clearly a talented student and worthy winner of the inaugural edition of the Andrew Murray Signature Prize. The competition was launched to celebrate the next generation of lawyers emerging from our universities and I am certain Sharon has all the attributes to be a future star of private client law in Scotland.”