Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship

Applications are now open for 2022!

Launched in 2013, the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme is designed to address the disproportionate under-representation of black and black mixed-race men from less privileged backgrounds in large commercial law firms. It’s a model for other leading businesses in the City of London.

The scheme is aimed at eligible first year law students at participating universities nationwide, and some other students at a small group of those universities.

There is no minimum grade requirement, and the application process employs non-traditional methods to test for potential. The insight day and assessment centre experiences are fully funded so there is no cost to applicants, and there is an offering for candidates not awarded a scholarship.

Once selected, scholars receive a range of benefits including a 15-month development and mentoring programme with activities developed and led by Freshfields lawyers and business services volunteers of all seniorities. Other City institutions, including Aon, the Bank of England, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Goldman Sachs have supported activities.

The Faculty of Law has participated in the scheme since it inauguration and looks forward to continuing with the scheme. There is no set limit on the number of scholarships to be awarded each year. Over the years a number of our nominated students were successful in achieving the scholarship. 

To find out more about the Scheme visit the Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer website.

Meet a few of our scholars

Ahmed Jeyte

Ahmed Jeyte awarded a Freshfields Stephen Lawrence 2021 Scholarship

Over the last six months through the Scholarship, I have been able to gain great exposure into the legal industry and beyond. My mentors through the scholarship have been able to offer reassurance and advice.

Folarin Odunubi

Folarin Odunubi \nAwarded a Freshfields Stephen Lawrence 2016 Scholarship

"It is a huge honour to have been awarded a Freshfields Stephen Lawrence 2016 Scholarship. Through speaking to previous scholars during the assessment days, I am aware of the help Freshfields gives in ensuring all of the scholars have the capacity to succeed in the legal profession. I am therefore very excited to begin the programme and develop my interest, understanding and knowledge of commercial law.

My tutors, Professor Ed Peel and Dr. James Goudkamp at Keble, were instrumental to my application as they introduced me to the scholarship and were extremely supportive during the application process. I therefore owe a massive thank you to them for their support in helping me gain the scholarship."

The work of Freshfields and the other organisations who support the programme in tackling the under-representation of black men from low-income households in the legal profession is crucial to addressing the social mobility issues the legal profession currently faces. I am therefore extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to use the platform the scholarship offers to pursue a legal career and I am very eager to begin the development process."

Important dates

Friday 18th  February 2022 - Deadline to confirm interest in attending insight meeting

Wednesday 23rd February 2022- Date of insight meeting

Monday 21 March 2022 - Complete and submit online application and two-minute video

Wednesday 30 March - Applicants will be contacted regarding assessment centre

Eligibility criteria can be found in the brochure for the scheme, and we encourage you to check with check with your college offices as to whether you are eligible.

For further information on the scholarship please contact zoe.campbell@law.ox.ac.uk