UCL Laws student awarded Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship

Launched by international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, in partnership with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, the scholarship programme aims to improve access of black and ethnic minority men from low-income households to the legal profession.

John, who is currently finishing his first year at UCL Laws, will join seven other scholars in a programme carefully designed to support their future success in commercial law. The scheme offers each of the scholars dedicated support in interview techniques and development, mentoring and commercial familiarisation during the university holidays, as well as £3,500 contribution to the costs of studying law.

Speaking following the announcement of the award, John said: “It is an honour to have been awarded the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship, due to the competitive nature of the application process and the legal field in general. Hopefully through this scholarship I will fulfil my ambition of working at a Magic Circle firm.”

Annette Byron, Freshfields’ social mobility partner, commented: “We believe that our scholarship is unique. We have drawn on innovative assessment techniques to gauge potential across many areas (rather than just academic qualifications), and will help develop our scholars into top class lawyers, while adapting our own organisational culture. We hope to make a real difference – which we define as people from different backgrounds joining, staying and succeeding with us.”