Foundation Chambers Essay Competition 2025 for Law Students
The Foundation Chambers Essay Competition for 2025 is now open to undergraduate law students across Nigeria.
Suppose you’re passionate about legal writing and interested in maritime law. In that case, this is your opportunity to stand out, win cash prizes, and gain real-world experience through an internship with one of Nigeria’s top maritime law firms.
This year’s edition offers more than just monetary rewards—it’s a solid platform to showcase your legal reasoning and possibly step into the professional legal space before graduation.
Table of Contents

Foundation Chambers Essay Competition Topic, Eligibility & How to Apply
Essay Topic for 2025
“Challenges and Prospects of Maritime Arbitration in Nigeria”
This year’s topic touches on a critical area of maritime dispute resolution. It might sound complex at first glance, but don’t be discouraged. Do your research, consult your lecturers, and focus on presenting an original and thoughtful argument. What’s expected is a student-level essay—not a senior advocate’s court submission.
Who Can Participate in the Foundation Chambers Essay Competition?
Only undergraduate law students currently enrolled in Nigerian universities are eligible.
- Open to students from the 200 level to the final year
- Applicants must not have graduated at the time of submission
Prizes and Opportunities
The Foundation Chambers Essay Competition comes with substantial rewards for the top three winners:
1st Prize
- ₦250,000 cash
- Internship opportunity at Foundation Chambers
- Free maritime law book
- Essay publication
2nd Prize
- ₦150,000 cash
- Internship
- Maritime law book
3rd Prize
- ₦100,000 cash
- Maritime law book
This competition is not just about winning money—it’s about gaining visibility and access to mentorship and networking opportunities within a leading legal practice.
Submission Guidelines (Strictly Follow These)
To avoid disqualification, ensure you comply with all technical requirements:
- Submit your essay as a Microsoft Word document, attached to an email
- Use Times New Roman, size 12, and double line spacing
- Maximum word count: 3,000 words (excluding footnotes and references)
- Apply OSCOLA referencing style throughout
- The first page of your document must include:
- Essay title
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Word count
Originality is critical. Your work must be 100% your own. Plagiarism will lead to immediate disqualification.
How to Submit
Send your completed essay via email to:
Deadline for Submission
- Final Submission Date: 15th September 2025
- No extensions. Late entries will not be accepted.
Why You Should Apply
The Foundation Chambers Essay Competition is more than a contest—it’s a springboard. Past winners have gained valuable internships and exposure that have shaped their career paths. If you enjoy legal writing and want to explore a future in maritime law, this is an excellent place to begin.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can 100-level law students apply?
No. Only students from the 200 level and above are eligible.
Can I submit a PDF version of my essay?
No. Only Word documents are accepted.
What referencing style is required?
Use the OSCOLA referencing style throughout your essay.
Will I get feedback if I don’t win?
Feedback is not guaranteed for non-winning entries, but outstanding submissions may be acknowledged.
Can I submit more than one entry?
No. Only one submission per student is allowed.