President's Cup Negotiation Competition 2026

October sees the launch of our annual President’s Cup Negotiation Competition 2026.

The President's Cup is an annual negotiation contest designed for young legal professionals. Since its inception in 1996, the event has been running for 29 years. Over the years, numerous participants have had the opportunity to engage in contract negotiations on behalf of two opposing parties. This year’s competition scenario involves the Swedish Lighthouse Trust appointing BrighterGround Construction Ltd to deliver a community-focused redevelopment project, expanding supported accommodation and community facilities while balancing sustainability goals, budget constraints, and the need to keep services operating throughout the works.

This competition is designed for junior lawyers and, is open to anyone meeting the eligibility criteria for joining the Nottinghamshire Junior Lawyers Division (NJLD). This includes students (including LPC, SQE and bar training course) and those still engaged in professional training in the workplace (including trainee solicitors and those doing SRA SQE solicitors and paralegal apprentices, pupil barristers, paralegals (with up to 2 years’ experience) who work and/or study in Nottinghamshire.

In brief, the competition consists of two rounds, the first round takes the form of a written submission, based on a set of facts common to both sides of the negotiation. The two highest scoring written responses will make the final round.

The final round takes in front of a panel of judges, including the President Drew Dennis, with each of the two finalists representing a party to negotiate the best possible deal for their client.

Closing deadline for round one submission is 5pm, Friday 6th November, 2026.

The final round will take place on Tuesday 1st December 2026, 6pm a venue at the Knights Nottingham office.

The winner will receive £300 cash and be awarded the President’s Cup Trophy, and certificate. The winner and finalist will also be invited to attend the Christmas Drinks Reception (Tuesday 8th December) as the guest of the President.

The runner up will receive a cash prize of £150 and certificate.

Any questions please contact the Head of Operations, Michelle Foster, michelle.foster@nottslawsoc.org

To enter download all the documents below and submit your entry by FRIDAY 6th NOVEMBER 2026. 5pm: