Daryl Jarvis, trainee solicitor at BTO Solicitors, was last year's inaugural winner of the Innovation Cup with his risk management tool. Here he tells us what winning has meant to him, and why you should consider entering this year.
In June 2018, I was fortunate to be selected as the winner of the inaugural Law Society of Scotland Innovation Cup for my risk management idea. The Innovation Cup aims to discover and develop risk management ideas which can benefit the profession.
The idea of entering the competition may seem daunting at first, however it is really very straightforward. The competition is looking for an risk management idea or concept rather than a polished ‘product’ so there is no need to worry if you are yet to work out all of the practical details. Entering is straightforward and anyone can provide a valuable new idea, not just senior lawyers. If your idea is good enough, you can expect to be invited to discuss it with a panel from the Law Society, Lockton and RSA. Last year, three entrants were invited to discuss their idea. The meeting is friendly and informal and is about understanding your idea and assessing its viability, so you should not let this aspect put you off. For me, the only downside was not being able to hear the other shortlisted ideas.
Once picked, Lockton work to develop the idea, with input from the winner, to be implemented across the profession. The winner remains involved throughout, working with Lockton to shape the idea into a workable tool which can be adopted by the wider profession.
There are many benefits to entering. Aside from a trophy, kudos and an excellent prize fund, the winner will get to see their idea developed and implemented. Entering is a valuable method of personal and professional development and winning can only enhance a CV! Seeing your idea come to life, with the weight of the Law Society, Lockton and RSA behind it, is very satisfying and it is great to know that you have made a lasting contribution to the profession.
I would encourage anyone with an idea to get involved. I look forward to congratulating this year’s winner – you never know, it could be you!
