新闻
Freshfields welcomes 12 new scholars to its twelfth Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) has welcomed 12 new scholars to join its Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme, now in its twelfth year, bringing the total number of awarded scholarships to 136.
Established by Freshfields in 2013 with support from Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, the Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme seeks to address the disproportionate under-representation in large commercial law firms and other City institutions of Black men from less socially mobile backgrounds.
Scholars receive a bespoke 15-month development programme which includes skills workshops, commercial awareness, interview coaching, networking, mentoring, support with job applications and careers advice. They will also receive:
- Work shadowing opportunities at Freshfields alongside lawyers and other insights into the firm's operations;
- A guaranteed interview, if they wish, for a place on the trainee associate programme at Freshfields;
- Financial support towards course and associated study-related costs.
All candidates can elect for a series of Masterclasses, including virtual legal work experience and a CV workshop, and a Freshfields mentor to build on their assessment centre experience and feedback. Additionally, similar to previous years, a select few ‘highly commended’ applicants who were not selected for the Scheme will receive recognition for their efforts and mentorship support from the Bank of England.
Annette Byron, Freshfields Partner for Social Mobility and a founder of the scheme said: “I am pleased to welcome our new cohort to the Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme, now celebrating its twelfth year. The dedication and hard work of our scholars continue to honour Stephen Lawrence's legacy by striving for excellence and driving positive change within their communities. Over more than a decade, this Scheme has been pivotal in recognising and developing the exceptional talent of Black men from less socially mobile backgrounds aspiring to careers in law and other professional services. This year, we proudly considered 78 candidates, each demonstrating remarkable promise and commitment to their chosen fields. We look forward to supporting our 12 new scholars as they embark on their professional journeys and contribute to the ongoing impact of the Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme.”
Freshfields trainee and 2019 Scholar Curtley Bale, said: “I extend a warm welcome to the new scholars joining the Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme. My own journey was profoundly influenced by this scholarship, which was instrumental in shaping my career at Freshfields. It is truly inspiring to witness another cohort of talented individuals begin their journey, and I am eager to see the remarkable paths they will forge."
To date, Freshfields has worked with over 80 participating universities across the country, and approximately 800 talented law and non-law undergraduates have competed for a place on the scholarship. This year, 35 universities across the UK nominated eligible undergraduates for the Scheme.
The scheme’s assessment centres involved more than 220 colleagues, with many actively contributing to the scheme’s development and mentorship programme – including former scholars. Volunteers are also provided by global professional services firm Aon, The Bank of England, and other organisations.
As of August 2024, the majority of scholars who had completed the Scheme’s development programme have accepted roles at large commercial law firms, investment banks and other City firms, barristers’ chambers, at leading professional services firms or in government service, or on Masters or PhD programmes. Prior to the firm’s summer recruitment season, 27 scholars had accepted trainee associate programme places at Freshfields.
Initiatives and strategic commitments aimed at improving diverse representation at Freshfields include the ‘Future Leaders’ talent programme, which provides bespoke training supporting Black and ethnically diverse colleagues’ progression.
The firm also runs the award-winning Freshfields’ Aspiring Professionals Programme (APP), a social mobility outreach programme created in partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation to support talented young people from social mobility ‘cold spot’ areas.
