News

Court of Protection Director Angela Sandhal, based in our Leeds office, recently served as a VIP judge at the Yorkshire Speak Out Challenge Final – a powerful initiative aimed at amplifying young voices across the region.

The Yorkshire Speak Out Challenge, delivered by Speakers Trust, is a transformative public speaking programme reaching up to 3,000 Year 10 students in Yorkshire state schools this academic year. The programme offers free and subsidised communication training to help young people build confidence, improve their future education and employment prospects, and share their stories.

Angela joined a panel of distinguished judges to evaluate the final speeches from students who had progressed through a rigorous and empowering journey. Each student began with a full-day public speaking workshop where they learned essential Oracy skills. From there, standout speakers were selected through successive rounds, including assemblies and a digital semi-final, culminating in the regional final where they presented their speeches to a large live audience.

Angela said:

“I was delighted to be on the judges’ panel at this year’s competition, and was thoroughly impressed with how much preparation had gone into formulating this year’s collection of powerful speeches. A big congratulation to all the finalists and to the Speakers Trust for all the valuable work they do empowering youngsters to speak publically and be heard. As someone working in the legal profession myself, where clear and confident advocacy is central, I understand how vital communication skills are – both in the courtroom and in building trust and understanding with clients. This important initiative is making a tangible difference, and I was honoured to be a part of it.”

The Speak Out Challenge addresses a critical need in Yorkshire, where nearly 50% of students initially report having no confidence speaking in front of others, one of the highest rates in the country. By giving young people the tools and confidence to speak up, the programme builds confidence and fosters a stronger sense of agency.

At Duncan Lewis, we are proud to support initiatives that empower the next generation and align with our core values of advocacy, inclusion, and community impact. Angela’s involvement in the Yorkshire Speak Out Challenge is a reflection of our commitment to social responsibility and the importance of giving back to the communities we serve.

To view the top three speeches, you can click here

About the Author

Angela Sandhal is a Director in the Court of Protection department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, based in the Leeds office. Angela is a Law Society accredited practitioner in the mental capacity law, health and welfare category and represents clients in both section 16 and section 21A proceedings. She also regularly acts for the Official Solicitor on behalf of P in a range of applications as well as acting for individuals as an accredited legal representative.

For advice and assistance, contact Angela via email at AngelaSa@duncanlewis.com or telephone on 03337720409.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

The Court of Protection team at Duncan Lewis Solicitors is ranked and recommended by The Legal 500 UK for its expertise in handling the full spectrum of health and welfare matters. Operating nationwide, the team is highly experienced in representing vulnerable individuals and their families in complex proceedings involving mental capacity, best interest decisions, deprivation of liberty safeguards, repatriation, Section 16 and 21A applications, and cases brought under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court.