Legal eagle Lauren recognised with award from leading law organisation

A commitment to helping people has paid off for Lauren Hamper, who has won a prestigious award from a leading law organisation.

The final year Law student has been awarded The Neuberger Prize by Lincoln’s Inn for her endeavours during her second year.

Lincoln’s Inn is one of the four Inns of Court, which have played a fundamental role in preparing students for Call to the Bar and their progress to professional competence as barristers for many centuries.

Judges were impressed by Lauren’s academic achievements, alongside her successful completion of internships with two legal firms.

But it was her involvement with the CoppaFeel! breast cancer awareness charity – Lauren was its University of Northampton branch president – that helped to put her ahead of other nominees.

After being presented with her award by Lord Neuberger, a former President of the Supreme Court, Lauren said: “He told me that he was impressed with my academic achievements, but also the amount of volunteering I had taken part in. He said that it showed I was committed to helping people, and added that is a vital quality for those wanting to pursue a career in law.”

Lauren received £1,000 prize money and membership of Lincoln’s Inn.

“I collected my prize at Lincoln’s Inn, and to meet Lord Neuberger himself was quite surreal, but he was very down to Earth,” said Lauren, who is from Thrapston.

“He introduced us to the panel members who had chosen myself and two others as prize winners, so I was given the chance to network with these barristers over dinner. I’ve been in touch with them ever since.”

Lauren, who is the first member of her family to go to university, harbours ambitions to be either a criminal solicitor or criminal barrister.

She feels the course at Northampton has given her the very best opportunity to enjoy a successful legal career.

“The Law course here at Northampton is great,” said Lauren. “The modules we can choose from are really varied – I never thought I would be studying terrorism alongside medical law in my final year.

“We are given so many opportunities, from taking part in mooting competitions to mock client interviewing. Gaining as much experience on your CV is great to get a head start as a graduate, so it’s excellent to be given so many chances to get involved.”

Lauren added: “As the University is on the smaller side, the lecturers are able to get to know you really well – something that I don’t think bigger universities would give you the chance to. It’s always so nice knowing that there’s a friendly face in the law block and all of the lectures are happy to help you.

“We also have the opportunity to attend ‘how to’ sessions that are run by the graduate tutors. These sessions include everything from how to reference right through to how to structure an argument for an essay. They’re so helpful, especially in first year when everything seems so daunting, but they’re also great to attend during any part of your course.”

Lauren is pictured, third from left, at the prize giving ceremony.