A STUDENT from Durham University could be named as one of the country’s brightest legal minds.

Deborah Longe is a finalist in the annual Future Legal Mind Award.

The 19-year-old, who is in the first year of her law degree and aspires to become a barrister, said: “I was so shocked and happy when I found out I had been shortlisted, it was great to have my desire and hunger for Law recognised.”

The competition is run by National Accident Helpline to support the fledgling careers of the nation’s most promising legal talent.

Law students and those starting a legal career council submit an essay about their legal ambitions and how a legally-trained mind would benefit them, their community and society. The ten shortlisted then submitted a video to support their written entry.

The winner, announced in May, will win £2,000 and meet with a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice and get mentoring advice.