Law Society Scholarships and Bursaries

The Law Society Diversity Access Scheme

The Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme aims to provide support to talented people who will have to overcome particular obstacles to qualify as a solicitor.  These obstacles might relate to social, educational, financial or family circumstances or to a disability that makes the goal of qualifying as a solicitor a particularly challenging one.  Sponsorship to cover fees for the Common Professional Examination/Graduate Diploma in Law or the Legal Practice Course is available to successful applicants.

In order to apply for the Diversity Access Scheme, you will need to show that you have the intelligence, commitment and integrity to become an outstanding solicitor.  You will need to demonstrate clear evidence of your potential to make an exceptional contribution to the solicitors’ profession and the society it serves.  You will also have to demonstrate that there is some substantial obstacle standing in the way of you achieving your goal.

The application process usually starts in February each year but you should refer to the Law Society’s website at www.lawsociety.org.uk for further information and details about the application process.

The Law Society Bursary Scheme

The Law Society Bursary Scheme is funded by a number of trusts and scholarships set up by people who have expressed a desire to contribute to the development of new solicitors.  Awards from the fund are available for students who have a place on the Common Professional Examination/Graduate Diploma in Law or the Legal Practice Course.

In order to qualify for consideration for an award, you will need to be able to demonstrate that your financial hardship is greater than the average student, that you are able to complete the course for which you are registered and that you are committed to completing the course and to a career as a solicitor.  You should be aware that the availability of the fund varies from year to year and the fund is limited.  It must also be stressed that competition for the awards is strong and only a small number of bursaries are awarded each year. 

The application process usually starts in February each year but you should refer to the Law Society’s website at www.lawsociety.org.uk for further information and details about the application process.