A leading Leamington law firm has announced the winners of a bursary - the Wright Hassall Law Award, to celebrate its 175th anniversary.
The one-off award by Wright Hassall offered disadvantaged young people - who may otherwise struggle to afford university - the opportunity to study for their undergraduate law degree.
Candidates had to write an essay on how they thought the legal profession would culturally evolve over the next 75 years. Their efforts were judged by Andrew Nyamayaro, President of the Warwickshire Law Society and Professor Kai Peters, Pro Vice Chancellor of Business & Law at Coventry University alongside Wright Hassall partner, Robert Lee.
After a competitive process, Lucy Compton and Ellen Boakye were selected as the Award’s joint winners, receiving £13,500 to part-fund their law courses, becoming the first generation in their families to attend higher education.
Ellen is undertaking a full-time course at University of Nottingham and will work with Wright Hassall over the summer, while Lucy is studying part time through the Open University alongside her current role as a paralegal within Wright Hassall’s family team.
Ellen, who recently completed her A-levels at President Kennedy School, Coventry said: “I began thinking of law as a career path in school when I entered a mooting competition, which I really enjoyed, and I then gained further exposure through work experience and webinars.
“Applying for the Wright Hassall bursary made me think about how my background can help shape my future as a lawyer.
“I am looking forward to the places my degree will take me and working with Wright Hassall in between my studies.”
Lucy said: “I became interested in studying the law from an early age, because the sector is constantly changing and evolving.
“I was attracted to Wright Hassall due to the talent within the company, the breadth of work they undertake, and the great reputation of the family team.
“Winning this Award will help me to further develop my experience and take the next step forward in qualifying as a solicitor.”
Wright Hassall partner Robert Lee added: “We wanted this Award to give people from every background the opportunity to pursue their dreams to qualify as a lawyer.
“We had an exceptional number of entries and I would like to thank everybody who took part; however Ellen and Lucy were the standout candidates and are both thoroughly deserving winners.
“I look forward to following their journeys.”
Wright Hassall was established in 1846 and employ over 250 people from its offices in Olympus Avenue in Leamington, with the Law Bursary one of the many initiatives launched to celebrate turning 175 last year.
