York student awarded Stephen Lawrence scholarship

Posted on Tuesday 30 June 2015

Ethan Plumb, aged 18, will join the scheme that aims to address the disproportionate under-representation in large commercial law firms of black men (African, African-Caribbean, and mixed race or African or African-Caribbean) from low-income households.

In memory of Stephen Lawrence, it is run by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, OBE, who is also an Honorary Graduate of the University of York.

To apply, students must meet the above criteria and be studying towards a qualifying law degree at a UK University. Having attended a state school before University, they must display exceptional talent in terms of resilience, communication and people skills.

Applications are made by universities on behalf of students, with candidates also submitting a two minute supporting video. Successful applicants then attend a two day assessment centre at Freshfields in London, before final scholars are chosen.

Scholars awarded receive a contribution towards course fees and associated study-related costs, work placements during school holidays, an alternative route to interview for a training contract at Freshfields, interview coaching and mentoring.

Chris Wilkinson, York Law School Employability Teaching Fellow and Chair of the AGCAS Legal Profession Task Group, said: “Ethan is an excellent student who has worked extremely hard both from an academic and an extra-curricular perspective and this has helped him to be successful in his application for the scholarship scheme. He has already taken full advantage of the opportunities provided to him as a first year Law student at York and we are very proud of his achievements so far.”

Ethan Plumb said: "York Law School introduced me to the Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme, so without them, I wouldn't have even applied. The Law School was fantastic in providing me with all the information I needed. I also thank Chris Wilkinson for writing me a great initial application and being an excellent form of support throughout the whole process."