Financial Services Lawyers Association

FSLA has launched its first event dedicated to students, trainee solicitors and pupils: an annual essay competition. Entrants can win a paid summer legal internship at the FSA as well as cash prizes of up to £1,000.

what do I have to do?

All you have to do is submit a 1,500 word article on the topic "Are bank charges fair?". Entries are judged by Andrew Whittaker, General Counsel to the Financial Services Authority, Professor Eva Lomnicka of King's College London, and Bill Blair QC, an eminent banking silk at 3 Verulam Buildings.

who can enter?

The competition is open to all under- and post-graduate students in any legal discipline registered with a UK educational institution, as well as trainee solicitors and pupil barristers.

some background material

If you are thinking of entering the competition, you may also find the following useful as background information on the debate about bank charges:

• BBA FAQs on the bank charges test case
• OFT: Questions and answers for test case announcement and Credit card default charges findings
• BBC Money Programme report: Are penalty charges bank robbery?

submitting your entry

Before you send us your essay, you will need to read the rules of the competition: by submitting your essay you are agreeing to be bound by them. Once you're happy that your essay meets these requirements, simply email it to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  by 4 January 2008.