Lex:lead is a group of international lawyers and friends who support economic development focusing on the world’s least developed countries.  Lex:lead offer an annual essay competition on topics of law and development to students from eligible countries for one-time US$500 awards. In 2015 we also started placing our students in internships with the World Bank and NGOs and in 2018 we began offering mentoring to our winners. Launched with funding from the International Bar Association Foundation, Lex:lead is a partner to the World Bank-supported Global Forum on Law, Justice and Development.
Up to 15 US$500 awards will be made in February 2022 for the top-ranked essays answering this year’s essay question:
How can laws protecting (or restricting) free speech impact upon economic development?
Eligible students (with citizenship to and enrolment with at least one law class in an eligible country) should register by 31 October 2021; essays will be accepted from registered candidates 1-31 December 2021 (no extensions). See Home page for eligible countries. Proof of eligibility is not required unless you are a finalist being considered for an award. All essays must be in compliance with competition rules (see below) and will not be accepted from unregistered candidates or after 31 December 2021.
Note that awards are generally payable to the winner’s educational institution on his/her behalf and not to the winning student directly. Funds may also be less any necessary bank conversion fees and/or taxes. Lex:lead will never charge a fee to participate. A Certificate of Participation will be sent to all registered candidates who submit an essay by 31 December 2021.
Reserved funding 2021:
• DLA Piper award for the highest-ranked winner from an eligible Asian country
• Jerome Poitou award for the highest-ranked award-winner from Haiti
Application Deadline:Â 31 October 2021
For More Information:
