Dentons launches new bursary scheme at QMU London

The donation has come from dormant client accounts, and is allowed under SRA rules which state that funds from dormant accounts can be given to charities of the firm’s choice if the owner cannot be traced.

The money, which will be matched by some funding from the University itself, will allow for three bursaries a year over a three-year period, each consisting of £6,500 per annum. The bursaries will be offered to eligible undergraduate students from local boroughs.

This is the latest development in a longstanding relationship between Dentons and QMUL School of Law. Students have assisted Dentons’ volunteers at its weekly free legal advice clinic in Tower Hamlets, PopLaw, every Tuesday since it opened in 2006.

Any recipients of the bursary will be required to volunteer at PopLaw, and will also be encouraged to apply for Dentons’ summer placement scheme.

 “We are delighted to be able to support students and their families in this way as they embark on their studies”, said Brandon Ransley, UK Managing Partner.

“Dentons has a long standing commitment to supporting the communities in which we work and live, such as our delivery of free legal advice to the community of Poplar, East London and our initiative with City Gateway to provide young people with mentoring, training, work experience and one year apprenticeship places.

"We support communities and individuals through many initiatives so it is a privilege to be able to contribute to the Queen Mary University of London bursary scheme”.

Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas, Head of the School of Law, said: “We are delighted by this generous donation from Dentons. This bursary scheme will provide much needed support to students from low income families from the local community who wish to pursue a career in law.

“In addition, this funding represents a fantastic boost to our 50th Anniversary appeal, for which we are seeking support for bursaries, scholarships, international mobility grants and the expansion of our outstanding Legal Advice Centre.”