Leeds Beckett Law students showcase talent in industry competition

The Simulated Law Firm Brand Competition formed part of an innovative employability-focused module for those studying LLB Law and LLB Law with Criminology. Students were challenged to create a professional legal brand from scratch, which included developing a firm name, logo, strapline and supporting rationale that reflected the values and identity of a modern law practice.

Working in teams of up to four students, students attended specialist workshops delivered by Beckett Careers and Library & Learning Services, where they explored the fundamentals of branding and professional identity.

Professor Jill Dickinson, Professor of Law and Professional Development at Leeds Law School, says: “This competition was designed to help students bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. By asking students to think like future legal professionals and business leaders, they developed valuable commercial awareness, teamwork and communication skills while engaging with a realistic legal sector challenge.”

Six teams of students entered the competition. Entries were judged by representatives from Irwin Mitchell against criteria including professional identity, market differentiation, trust-building, legal ethos and long-term adaptability.

Winning team creates brand supporting International Students

The winning team, made up of Violet Mlanzi, Ruya Akbary, Michaelina Nikolaou and Ayat Ali, impressed judges with their concept, Link Legal.

Designed to support international students, Link Legal focused on making legal services more accessible and understandable for those navigating challenges such as housing issues, contracts and everyday rights – built on the idea legal services should work to solve and prevent problems.

Judges praised the entry for its clear professional purpose, strong market positioning and modern, credible brand identity. Its standout element was its clear sense of ‘why’.

Runner-Up firm champions underrepresented voices

Second place was awarded to Angela Lahunay, Sandra Dziubinska and Samaah Sajjad for their concept, LDS Advocates.

The brand focused on addressing injustices affecting women and other underrepresented groups, with particular attention to issues such as domestic abuse, sexual harassment and systematic mistreatment.

Judges commended the firm's thought-provoking ethical focus, distinctive market position and commitment to pro bono support - noting its strong potential for future growth and impact.

Building employability through real-world learning

Hannah Beever, Employability Curriculum Development Consultant at Beckett Careers, says “initiatives like the Brand Competition provide students with a learning opportunity that relates directly to a legal sector challenge. Students are gaining valuable insight into how successful legal firm brands are developed, communicated, and beginning to recognise how they can shape and communicate their own emerging professional identities.

“This competition gives students the chance to apply their skills in a practical way and build their confidence in presenting themselves as future legal professionals.”

She adds, “through initiatives like this, students gain insight into industry expectations, strengthen their professional skills, and build confidence in presenting themselves and their ideas to external stakeholders.”

Following the success of its first year, sponsorship from Irwin Mitchell for the competition has been confirmed for continuation and students are invited to start expressing their interest in being involved before the competition formally launches at the start of the L4 Legal and Employability Skills module in January 2027. 
 

Sarah Al-Jourani, Solicitor at Irwin Mitchell says: “I have really enjoyed being involved in the LLS Simulated Law Firm Brand Competition.

“It is a fantastic initiative that gives students a valuable opportunity to develop practical skills, think creatively, and gain insight into the realities of working within a law firm with focus on the business elements being just as important as the legal services.

“Supporting initiatives like this is incredibly important to help nurture future talent in the profession, and it has been great to see the enthusiasm and innovation demonstrated by those taking part.” 

The winning designs are currently on display in the Leeds Law School building.