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

Nnemdi Ozoemena, 19, from Borehamwood, has triumphed against law students and legal trainees nationwide to be named as one of ten finalists in National Accident Helpline’s annual Future Legal Mind Award 2021.

A record number of entries were received for the essay-based competition this year, which is now in its seventh year. Past winners have gone on to become barristers and solicitors.

Nnemdi is a second-year law student at Durham University and she is particularly interested in family law and dreams of becoming a human rights solicitor.

In her essay she argued that non-consensual or "forced" adoption within family law, where a child is taken from his or her parents by a local authority against their will, is "broken and needs reform urgently".

Nnemdi said: "I am really honoured and excited to have been shortlisted. I had a great time writing the essay and it is lovely to think that the judges had a nice time reading it as well."

Will Herbertson, marketing and strategy director at the NAHL Group, said: "Nnemdi very succinctly and passionately highlighted her concerns about non-consensual adoption in both her essay and video. We wish her the best of luck for the final."

Nnemdi finds out in May if she is the winner of Future Legal Mind 2021. The winner will receive a £2,000 prize fund and will be mentored by experienced lawyers.