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A&O Shearman access-to-justice scholarship

A&O Shearman in Belfast is marking 10 years of a scholarship initiative with Ulster University that has delivered more than £1 million in free legal advice to people facing social and financial barriers.

Since 2015, 23 students, including 13 mature students, have helped deliver legal advice and 10,000 pro bono hours to more than 300 clients whilst developing expertise and skills for their future career.

Real-world experience

They also gain real-world experience by providing critical legal advice and representation in areas such as employment, social security, and family law, under expert supervision at Ulster University’s Law Clinic.

The A&O Shearman Access to Justice Scholarship, funded by the A&O Shearman Foundation through the Belfast Grants program, supports postgraduate students completing a master’s degree in access to justice and empowers them to develop legal and advocacy skills.

Naomi Buchanan (A&O Shearman) said: “Increasing access to justice and removing barriers to education are central to our social impact work, helping to shape a more inclusive society.”