Applications open for less-advantaged aspiring Scottish solicitors

The Lawscot Foundation has opened applications for this year’s round of grants for academically talented students from less-advantaged backgrounds in Scotland to study law.

Bursaries will be offered to aspiring solicitors who have an offer to start the LLB course at a Scottish university in the coming academic year, with applications being accepted between Tuesday 5 April and Friday 10 June 2022.

Successful applicants who would otherwise not be able to afford to attend university are provided with an annual grant of £2,500, mentoring, networking and work experience opportunities.

The charity was set up by the Law Society of Scotland in 2016 as part of their work on improving access to the legal profession, and is funded by generous contributions from corporate sponsors and individual donors.

Christine McLintock, Chair of the Lawscot Foundation, said: "These bursaries aim to level the playing field for less-advantaged people who are seeking a career in law.

"Every year we are impressed with the calibre of students who apply for this funding. Past recipients have demonstrated they are capable of developing into excellent lawyers, and I have no doubt that will also be the case with the successful applicants this year. If you’re interested in the law and fit the criteria, I’d encourage you to apply.

"Last year six Lawscot Foundation students became our first ever law school graduates, a fantastic achievement and an immensely proud moment for them, their families and the Foundation. At the end of this year our first two Trainees will start work at Scottish law firms, marking another key milestone.

"Graduating from law school takes hard work and perseverance, especially for students who have faced more challenges than most just to get there. That’s why the Foundation provides not just financial support but mentoring and other forms of support to help recipients make the most of their abilities.

"We are a small charity making a difference, but we’re only able to do that because of the generous contributions we receive from the legal profession. It’s important that we recognise their role, as well as the amazing achievements of the young people who are receiving support and pursuing their career goals."

Applications can be made at the Lawscot Foundation website.

We would like to thank our current sponsors whose continued support is invaluable to the Lawscot Foundation:

• Pinsent Masons
• Royal Bank of Scotland/Natwest
• Dickson Minto
• Brodies
• Shepherd and Wedderburn
• Turcan Connell
• Faculty of Advocates
• Locktons
• Burness Paull
• BP
• Scottish Council of Law Reporting
• CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP
• Addleshaw Goddard