NLS undergraduate awarded Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship
Nottingham Law School undergraduate, Rakeem Kamara, has become the 6th NTU student to be awarded a Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship since the scheme’s inception in 2013.
By Shivani Patel | Published on 1 June 2021
Categories: Current students; School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences; Nottingham Law School;
The scholarship, aimed at first-year undergraduate students, seeks to address the disproportionate under-representation of black men from less socially mobile backgrounds in large commercial law firms and other careers in the City of London. It is provided by global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer with support from Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, OBE.
Freshfields’ Partner, Annette Byron, said: “This year’s Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme comes at a time when those with less access to privilege and opportunities are facing greater challenges than ever. The pandemic has disproportionately affected black and ethnic communities, so it is especially important that we bring together this group of talented individuals and give them a sense of community, as well as access to the best possible opportunities to build successful careers in their chosen fields”.
Rakeem Kamara
Rakeem, who has already commenced the 15-month development programme, said: “I was slightly sceptical about a virtual programme, but I have enjoyed every part of it. One of the key benefits is the mentoring and networking opportunities that we receive, I have met so many amazing people at Freshfields and external organisations. I also thoroughly enjoyed the week of work experience with Freshfields which gave me an insight into the firm’s practice areas”.
Scholars are eligible for a guaranteed interview if they choose to apply for a graduate training contract at Freshfields. When asked about his short-term career plans, Rakeem commented: “I look forward to continuing my progression on the programme as I approach my final year of university. I am currently considering several career options, including the possibility of applying for a training contract with Freshfields. I am also seeking further work experience and learning opportunities to improve my knowledge and application of the law”.
Jenny Chapman, Dean of Nottingham Law School, said: “Nottingham Law School is dedicated to providing transformational legal education, and we are proud to promote the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship to our undergraduates each year. I am delighted at Rakeem’s achievement in obtaining this important scholarship and I am sure he will take advantage of all the fantastic opportunities the scholarship will bring”.