Law diversity scholarships

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May 28, 2021

Written By Billy Sexton

Following a career in the law is an expensive venture. With the cost of undertaking the LPC and BPTC in London exceeding £10,000, not to mention living costs, you may find yourself pulling your hair out wondering how you’re exactly going to fund your dream career.

You may even be wondering how the legal industry is so diverse given how much it costs to make it! Well, that’s where law diversity scholarships come in. There’s loads of funding opportunities out there for minorities, such as ethnic minorities and people with disabilities, and for those from less affluent backgrounds.

There are a number of financial options out there. Here are just a few:

The Law Society Diversity Access Scheme

The Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) aims to increase social diversity by supporting those from disadvantaged backgrounds. LPC scholarships are awarded to those who are from a non-fee paying school, were eligible for free school meals and were the first generation in their family to go to university.

The Law Society will also consider those who have been disadvantaged as a result of their cultural background, health problems, disability, gender, sexuality, race or religion.

Snowden Trust

The Snowden Trust support students with physical or sensory disabilities. The support might not cover the entirety of your LPC or BPTC fees, but they will help you out with computer equipment, additional accommodation, travel costs and mobility equipment.

The Kalisher Trust

The Kalisher Trust ensures that talented and motivated aspiring barristers, who can demonstrate financial need receive awards to fund the BPTC.

Leonard Sainer Legal Education Foundation

Leonard Sainer graduated from UCL and was a top City solicitor before his death in 1991. The foundation set up in his memory awards final year LLB or LLM students at UCL who are about to undertake the LPC or BPTC and intend to practise away from the large City firms and are able to show financial need or instances of hardship.

Of course, there are plenty of funding opportunities out there. Additionally, even though they may not offer funding options, organisations such as the Black Solicitors’ Network have great networking opportunities for students. Funding opportunities are out there but you just have to do your research.

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