Latest news: Freshfields tackles social mobility

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and the Faculty of Laws at University College London (UCL) have launched two scholarships to tackle social mobility. 20/02/2012

The scholarships are for law students from socially and economically less privileged backgrounds. As well as providing financial support, the scheme will see Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer  offer successful candidates eight weeks paid work experience per academic year and the guarantee of a training contract interview, which, if successful, will see the students benefit from a grant covering the full cost of law school.

‘At UCL we are committed to providing a world-class education to talented students regardless of their background. UCL was founded in 1826 to open up education for the first time to students from any race, class or religion and this innovative partnership with Freshfields will help us continue in that tradition,’ says Professor Malcolm Grant, President & Provost of University College London .

Successful candidates will receive a £10,000 bursary a year from Freshfields to cover their maintenance expenses and will also be eligible to participate in UCL’s bursary scheme to provide additional support of up to £3,500 a year.

‘Whether the legal profession likes it or not city law firms are seen as too remote and closed to many students and families from less privileged backgrounds. The purpose of this partnership is to provide students from less privileged backgrounds with a genuine opportunity of building a successful career in the law and is a further demonstration of Freshfields’ commitment to making social mobility a reality,’ says Freshfields’ senior partner, Will Lawes.

‘By 2014 we will have six scholarships running at the same time and, whilst our financial contribution is important to these students, we believe our commitment to work experience and mentoring will be equally critical to their success,’ he added.