A STUDENT from Calstock has beaten competition from across the country to be named as a finalist in a law competition.

Tamar Knight, 20, triumphed against law students and trainees from all over the UK to be named as one of ten finalists for National Accident Helpline’s future legal mind award 2020.

The competition has been running for six years and past winners have gone on to become barristers and solicitors.

Tamar, a former pupil at Callington Community College and Plymouth High School for Girls, is in the first year of her law degree at Cardiff University and her dream is to work as an environmental law solicitor and campaigner.

In her competition entry, Tamar argued that environmental policies needed to undergo ‘radical change’, including reducing emissions and investing in renewable energy, in order to fight climate change.

She said environmental lawyers were ‘essential’ because they were the ones who would ensure that new and existing environmental laws were ‘upheld in practice’.

Tamar said: ‘I am so honoured to be a finalist for such a prestigious competition, especially considering that environmental law is one of the most neglected areas of law and desperately needs the most attention.

‘I am extremely grateful to have my skill and hard work recognised in this way by established legal professionals and I hope I will impress them in the final.’

Tom Fitzgerald, managing director of National Accident Helpline, said: ‘It was clear to us from Tamar’s essay and video how passionately she feels about becoming an environmental lawyer, and we wish her the best of luck for the final.’

Tamar will find out in May if she is the winner of Future Legal Mind. The winner will receive a £2,000 prize fund and will be mentored by experienced lawyers.