The scheme will provide the 19-year-old from Bradford with financial support, work experience and mentoring to help with his future career opportunities.
The scholarship was created in memory of Stephen Lawrence, a talented and ambitious 18-year-old who was murdered in a racist attack in London in 1993. Established in 2013 by international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer with the support of Stephen’s mother, Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, the scholarship aims to address the under-representation of black and mixed-race men from working class backgrounds in major commercial law firms and other City institutions.
Applicants must be in their first year at a UK university and are assessed using non-traditional methods to assess talent and potential across a wide range of criteria, not just academic performance. Scholars take part in a 15-month development programme that includes skills workshops, interview coaching, networking, mentoring, application support and careers advice. They also receive work shadowing and a guaranteed interview for a training contract. Overall, the scheme aims to equip its scholars with the skills and confidence to thrive during their studies and beyond.
Niyah commented: “It is a huge privilege to be accepted for such a prestigious scholarship and to learn so much from my personal mentors at Freshfields. Since starting, I have also been given invaluable opportunities to network and connect with individuals from various City institutions, including Aon and the Bank of England, who I have been invited to intern with. It is a fantastic opportunity and an incredible experience.
Siobhan McConnell, Assistant Professor and Employability & Careers Co-ordinator at Northumbria Law School, added: “The Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme is an excellent scheme and as a law school we value both our involvement in it and all that it stands for. Niyah is an exceptional student and this is a wonderful opportunity for him.
