Matheson, in association with Trinity College Dublin (TCD), has announced a second-year TCD law student, Brendan Giurgila, as the winner of the 2022 Cara Scholarship.

Named in honour of late partner Cara O'Hagan, the annual scholarship is open to second-year undergraduate law students in TCD, including students on the Higher Education Access Route or the Disability Access Route to Education schemes, mature students, and students who face barriers in third-level education.

As winner of the Cara Scholarship, Brendan is awarded:

• A place on Matheson’s summer internship programme in June,
• A €5,000 bursary for each academic year, and
• An assigned mentor from Matheson. 

Managing partner Michael Jackson said: “The Cara Scholarship, established in memory of late partner, Cara O'Hagan, seeks to invest back in the community by supporting students to become the leaders of the future and continues our commitment to proactively promote equal opportunity witihin the legal profession.

Dreams

Brendan Giurgila said: “At the start of this year, I had hoped that I would be able to simply get through another year. As a fully independent student, I had harsh responsibilities that constantly dragged me away from my academic objectives and pursuing my dreams of having a career in law.

“Matheson not only acknowledged my dreams for my career in law but also offered a high level of support for it through the Cara Scholarship. I am humbled and grateful for everything Matheson has done for me, and I fully intend to show them that their trust and generosity has, and will continue to fuel, my dreams.”

Professor Caoimhín MacMaoláin (School of Law head) said that Brendan was a most deserving recipient. The partnership provided a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional law student at a crucial stage in his or her academic and professional development, he concluded.