Kwabena Owusu-Ansah, a first-year student at The Dickson Poon School of Law, has been awarded one of the 2018 Stephen Lawrence Scholarships by the law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

The scholarships were established in association with Doreen Lawrence OBE (Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon) to broaden access to careers in large commercial law firms and the City of London. The award aims to address the under-representation of black men from less privileged backgrounds in the sector.

Jane Henderson, Widening Participation Lead for the School, explained the significance of the scholarship: “This was the first year we had applied, and we put forward three strong candidates. I hope that this year’s success will encourage bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply to study at King’s as they can see that we celebrate diversity.”

The award offers students the opportunity to work closely with lawyers and other professionals from Freshfields, Goldman Sachs and the Bank of England. Scholars also receive interview coaching, mentoring, a contribution towards study-related costs, and the opportunity to apply for a training contract at Freshfields.

Since 2013, more than 220 first-year students from around the country have competed for a scholarship. This year the School had three students applying for the award. Alongside Kwabena’s success, two other students will also receive the opportunity of feedback and coaching following their applications.

Kwabena’s success is a major achievement. When asked about the award, he said: “This award is important, not only because of the opportunities it presents me with as an individual, but also to other young black men who wish to study law.”

Annette Byron, Partner Sponsor for Social Mobility at Freshfields, commented: “We are proud to be working with such talented students”.

For more information on the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship, click here.

To find out more about the School’s Widening Participation activities, click here.