Above, Victoria Anderson (CEO of BVL) introduces the evening.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Legal Minds at Portcullis House, Westminster

On the 20th of January 2026, ICLR were invited to attend the 13th(!) Model Law Commission (“MLC”) event held at Portcullis House in Westminster. Hosted by barrister and Labour MP, Catherine Atkinson and watched over by the CEO of the Law Commission, Stephanie Hack, the event was a remarkable illustration that the future of law is in safe hands!

The MLC is the brainchild of Big Voice London (“BVL”), a social mobility charity set up to help A-level students from non-fee-paying schools to take part in various challenges in an effort to prepare them for a potential future working in law.

The MLC is modelled on the real Law Commission, the body tasked with debating and suggesting how the law can be improved in England and Wales. The 76 students were divided into four groups; each assigned a legal topic and set the task of writing and presenting an advisory paper published by ICLR.

The young adults come from all over the country, they organise and prepare over video calls and have never met one another, until they arrive at Portcullis House to present their paper. They are supported by legal professionals in each field, who donate their time and expertise for free.

It is an extraordinary demonstration of collaboration, commitment and ingenuity. Every individual who was selected to take part was chosen from hundreds of applicants, and they should be extremely proud of what they achieved, which was to present a thorough, well researched and persuasive argument for genuine, and most importantly, applicable and reasoned change.

The event was presented by BVL’s CEO, Victoria Anderson (who moonlights as a full-time media lawyer at Schillings during the day) and her team of volunteers (they are all volunteers, and no one gets paid!). Credit should be given to them and their hard work to make these events possible.

As a call to action, should anyone reading this blog wish to help either in terms of sponsorship, legal advice or assistance with moots or has the ability to offer work experience to these extraordinary young people, then we would encourage you to reach out to Victoria at victoria.anderson@bvl.org.uk or to contact us at ICLR on enquiries@iclr.co.uk and we will pass on any requests.

Thanks again for a fantastic evening and congratulations to all those involved!