Christopher Bathurst 2012 Essay Prize is sponsored by Fountain Court Chambers and the Estate of the 3rd Viscount Bledisloe, and supported by the Singapore Academy of Law.  It is open to all lawyers under the age of 30 in Singapore with the contributor of the best paper winning an all-expense-paid 2-week internship with Fountain Court Chambers in London.
The 2012 essay topic “To what extent should a jurisdiction’s public policy influence whether an international arbitral award is recognised or enforced in that jurisdiction?” was won by Benson Lim, age 26, of Wong Partnership LLP
Lim is delighted to have won such a prestigious award.  “I am honoured and very pleased that some of the leading silks of Fountain Court have already approached me to kindly offer me the chance to shadow them at their trials and hearings. Given Fountain Court’s warm welcome and my keen interest in international commercial arbitration, in particular the areas of banking and construction, I look forward with much anticipation to a wonderful and enriching secondment with Fountain Court in 2013”.
The Idea for the Prize
Christopher Bathurst QC (1934-2009) was a member of Fountain Court Chambers and a leading practitioner at the commercial Bar in London who developed a substantial practice in Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore. He was regarded by many practitioners in Singapore not just as a formidable advocate and adviser but also as a friend and mentor.   The competition seeks to honour his memory.