Allen & Overy (A&O) has announced it will provide 45 bursaries over the next three years in a new initiative with Queen’s University Belfast. 

As a member of the Bright Future Collective, A&O will contribute to the University’s Pathway Opportunity Programme Bursary Fund, an initiative which offers students from disadvantaged backgrounds support to attend Queen’s.

Senior associate Andrew Wilson said the firm believes in giving everyone a fair chance.

Future success

“Not everyone has the same opportunities in life, or the same access to education, but our backgrounds should not define our future success,” he said.

“We look forward to working with those students who could be under-represented and supporting them during their time at Queen’s University,” he said.

Allen & Overy currently employs over 600 staff at its Belfast office.

Beneficiary Michelle Edwards said that she doubted that university could be financially attainable but the generous bursary has lifted a weight off her shoulders. 

“My first year of university was not filled with anxiety over my finances, allowing me to concentrate on my studies and enjoy my time at university,” she said.