Mr Cusack’s essay on vicarious liability came first in a field of nearly 150 submissions.

Cora Fitzsimons, managing partner at Corrigan & Corrigan Solicitors, said: “We’re delighted that so many people entered the essay prize competition — and a huge congratulations to Jake, who faced some stiff competition.

“Our aim for this prize programme is to support and encourage students at an important stage of their education.

“A sound knowledge and understanding of the principles of tort is fundamental to our practice area of insurance litigation and we were especially pleased with the particular topics chosen for the essay this year, which are key areas of our work.”

The firm has said its tort prize will roll out to more third-level institutions later this year.