Global law firm Eversheds Sutherland, with offices in Belfast and Dublin, will award the prize for three years to the student enrolled on the LLM International Business Law who achieved the highest overall mark in their undergraduate degree.

Professor Robin Hickey, head of QUB School of Law, said: “We are very grateful to Eversheds Sutherland for this generous student prize, especially as it highlights the abilities and talents of our postgraduate students.

“The LLM in International Business Law is a perfect example of how postgraduate study encourages specialist skills and knowledge, and further prepares our students for roles in a global economy.

“The addition of a dedicated placement period further enhances the student experience and career prospects and so our links with industry are very important to us.”

Alongside the prize, the recipient will be guaranteed an interview for the Eversheds Sutherland summer internship programme.

Mr Simpson said: “I feel very privileged to be the first recipient of the Eversheds Sutherland Prize. The support of Eversheds has been very encouraging and has further endorsed my decision to study the LLM in International Business Law.”

Matthew Howse, partner in Eversheds Sutherland’s Belfast office, said: “We are delighted to support the Eversheds Sutherland Prize. Eversheds Sutherland is a law firm that is connected globally but also committed locally.

“Part of that local commitment to Northern Ireland is helping to grow and nurture the emerging legal talent of the future.

“On behalf of Eversheds Sutherland, I would like to congratulate Gary on his excellent performance in his undergraduate degree, and I very much look forward to seeing his career flourish and develop in the future.”