HCR Law announces 2026 winner of inaugural HCR Spark Prize in Northamptonshire

The winner of HCR Law’s inaugural HCR Spark prize in Central England has been announced.

HCR Law’s Central England office launched HCR Spark earlier this year. This new initiative is aimed at supporting and mentoring Year 12 students across Northamptonshire interested in exploring a career in law.

HCR Spark offers one student from a participating school the opportunity to gain invaluable insight into the legal profession. The programme is open to students who have demonstrated perseverance, commitment and a desire to learn – whether they’re already considering a career in law or simply curious about what the sector has to offer.

The HCR Spark Prize includes a one-week structured work placement at HCR Law during the summer holidays, £500 in cash, a trophy and ongoing mentoring and support from experienced lawyers.

This year’s winner is Vidhi Shah who attends Northampton School for Girls. Vidhi was awarded her prize at a ceremony to mark the occasion with her family and Mrs Taboada-Naya, Headteacher of Northampton School for Girls in attendance. Mrs Taboada-Naya said:

“Vidhi is an exceptional young woman: intelligent, thoughtful and tenaciously ambitious. It was a real privilege to be there with her family and to see her receive HCR Law’s Spark Award, particularly as the first recipient of the award in Northampton.

“What has stayed with me most was the generosity shown to Vidhi as she received her award. The award itself is hugely valuable, but so too was the time, warmth and encouragement offered by colleagues at HCR Law.

“They helped her see not only what a future in law might look like, but that she has every reason to believe she belongs in that future. We are very proud of Vidhi, and very grateful to HCR Law for recognising and investing in her potential.”

Claire Howard-Amos, HCR Law Partner based in our office in Northampton, added: “We believe strongly in the importance of supporting local communities and young talent. HCR Spark is one of the ways we aim to help students discover the opportunities available in the legal sector, develop their skills and gain the confidence to follow their ambitions at a Top 50 law firm based locally to them.”

Students from participating schools were invited to submit a short video introducing themselves and explaining why they should win the HCR Spark Prize. Shortlisted candidates were then interviewed by the HCR Law team.

Claire said: “We were truly impressed by the calibre of the students who took part this year and the standard of entries was exceptional.

Vidhi’s work placement will take place in August which will give her a real-world experience of life in a law firm and the chance to develop skills that will benefit her in her future studies and chosen career.

There are more ways than ever to train in law. These include the traditional law degree route, a non-law degree conversion route where undergraduates complete a degree in a different subject and then take a law conversion course, and a legal apprenticeship route.

HCR Law is committed to inspiring the next generation of legal professionals. To find out more about HCR Spark and the firm’s wider community initiatives, please visit hcrlaw.com.