Allan Wernham

As part of an annual UK-wide initiative, the CMS Law Scholarships Scheme for Scotland awards £2,500 each year to high-performing state school students from economically challenged backgrounds while they are completing their law degrees. The scholarship is worth £10,000 over a four-year Scottish degree.

Recipients of this year’s scholarships are Jaya Khasria from Vale of Leven Academy in West Dunbartonshire; Eva Frew, a pupil at Hamilton Grammar School, South Lanarkshire; and Olamide (Ola) Fadun from Lourdes Secondary School in Glasgow. Along with the annual financial support throughout their legal studies, they will also benefit from mentoring by a qualified lawyer and will be offered paid work experience with CMS during their first year of university.

Now in its ninth year in Scotland, previous scholarship winners have gone on to study at many of the top UK universities and have secured training contracts at some of the world’s largest law firms, including CMS.

Earlier this year pupils were initially invited to apply for the programme by responding to motivational questions and submitting an essay on one of two topics considering whether everyone should have the right to strike, or if deepfakes are a crime which should have legal consequences. Short-listed applicants from schools across Scotland were then invited to attend an interview, meet trainees and experience life as a qualified solicitor during a virtual assessment week.

Allan Wernham, managing director of CMS in Scotland, said: “Following an extremely high quality and competitive application process, we’re delighted to be offering our support to three young and aspiring Scottish pupils who all share a passion for law.

“Our scholarship programme is focused on helping pupils whose economic circumstances can prove to be a barrier to them achieving a place at a prestigious university or establishing a career in law. I congratulate this year’s recipents and we look forward to supporting them within the firm as they develop their legal careers.”

Commenting on his scholarship award, Ola Fadun said: “Taking part in all aspects of the CMS scholarship programme has been an amazing experience. The mentorship, work placement and financial support offered has put my goal of excelling within the field of law within reach. It is amazing to see a reputable law firm like CMS giving back to the community by offering young people like me the opportunity to experience and seriously explore a legal career.”

Fellow scholarship recipient Eva Frew said: “I am so grateful for this opportunity and excited for the future. It will aid me in reaching my full potential as well as achieving my goal of becoming a successful law student and solicitor.”