The City Law School student wins national Lincoln's Inn prize

On 8 June 2026, Commercial Law LLB student Akasya Mesin, was one of eight students from across England and Wales to receive the Helen Grindrod Social Mobility Prize from The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn.

Prize recipients receive a funded mini pupillage through Lincoln’s Inn, a place on the Inn’s Summer School, free membership of the Inn, professional mentoring, and a monetary award of £250.

Reflecting on the prize, Akasya said:

When I started studying law, I wasn't aware that initiatives like this even existed. It was only after I began researching the Bar and engaging with opportunities at university that I learned about the support offered by the Inns of Court.

I had caring responsibilities growing up. As the first in my family to attend university, I had no family members or personal connections who had pursued a career at the Bar, so navigating the profession was something I had to learn independently.

The annual national outreach award is designed to support high-achieving second-year law undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds who aspire to join the Bar. Named in honour of Helen Grindrod, a dedicated advocate for social justice, this prize highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.

Akasya added:

The City Law School has played an important role in my development by providing opportunities to explore advocacy through societies such as Bar and Mooting, Women in Law and Pro Bono Societies. Through these opportunities, I have been able to develop my advocacy skills, deepen my understanding of the profession, and build meaningful connections. Serving as Finance Officer of the Pro Bono Society also gave me valuable leadership experience.

“There can sometimes be a perception that the legal profession is difficult to access if you don't have established connections. Take every opportunity you can, ask questions, apply even when you doubt yourself, and don't be discouraged by setbacks. Every application, competition, networking event and piece of feedback helps you grow. You never know which opportunity might change the course of your career.

The Head of The City Law School (Academic Programmes Department), Professor Dimitrios Giannoulopoulos, commented:

“We are delighted to learn of Akasya’s success, and are very proud of her, for all the opportunities she has enthusiastically taken, her impressive work-ethic and belief in herself. Her example will inspire fellow students - where strong academic ambition and achievement meet a methodical approach and appetite to explore Law in its experiential and professional practice dimensions, everything is possible”

Find out more

https://www.lincolnsinn.org.uk/news/helen-grindrod-prize-2026/