Tyron Denton, one of our law undergraduate students, was recently awarded a prestigious 2022 scholarship. He shares his experience of the Scheme and why eligible students should also work with their university contact for the scheme to apply.
Tyron Denton, Queen Mary law undergraduate student who was awarded a prestigious Freshfields Scholarship.
Queen Mary encourages eligible exceptionally talented first year law students to apply for the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme. The scheme was set up by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon in 2013, to address the disproportionate under-representation of black and black mixed-race men from less socially mobile backgrounds in large commercial law firms and other City institutions.
Scholars receive a 15-month tailored development and mentoring programme with activities developed and led by Freshfields lawyers and professionals from other City institutions.
After receiving an email from Mrs Gillow and shortly after having a meeting with her, I did some more research on Freshfields and more importantly the Stephen Lawrence Scheme. Aside from knowing that it would be a great opportunity regardless of whether I received a scholarship, the aims of addressing the underrepresentation of black male students within City careers in the name of Stephen Lawrence was truly compelling.
I was extremely grateful. As a man of faith I couldn’t stop giving thanks to God as it would not have been possible without his favour. I was also extremely grateful to be part of an empowering scheme that will undoubtedly leave a legacy to inspire black men in the future.
The scholarship has a lot to offer, far more than just monetary contribution towards studies. It’s a 15-month development programme tailored to each scholar including career advice, work experience, an alternative route to an interview for a training contract at Freshfields mentoring amongst much more. I am still in the very early stages of this journey, however from the insight day and assessment centres alone I have gained an incredible amount. I have been able to meet and converse with accomplished professionals who work within the City, and fellow students, all of which has given me a better perspective to careers and life in general.
If you are thinking of applying, I would highly recommend speaking with the university contact for the Scheme. I'd say enter the process with an open mind and willingness to learn more about yourself, others, and careers. It sounds very cliché, but be yourself. Freshfields genuinely want to get to know you as a person, from the application to the assessment centres, so showcase the best version of yourself. In doing so you’ll also find that you gain a lot more from the experience, whether that be mentors, friends, or gaining a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.
You can find out more about the scheme on the Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer website: Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship | Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. You can also find out more from your university’s law department.