The College is delighted to announce this autumn’s SQE scholarship awardees who have each received a fully-funded place on our SQE preparation courses. All of the award holders demonstrated fantastic commitment to the legal sector and motivation to become a solicitor through the application process. The process was fiercely competitive with nearly 100 applications, and the vast majority of applicants faced significant financial barriers to progressing through the SQE pathway.
The College’s new SQE scholarship holders are: Kiera O’Connor, Liliya Nahorna, Bejamin Lee, Ebony Brown and Felecia Crawford. Here is a little more detail on some of our awardees.
A paralegal and Chair of the Hertfordshire Junior Lawyers Division. Kiera has already contributed so much to the legal profession through volunteering, and has just finished her LPC. She will be studying for SQE2 from December 2024.“I am so pleased to have been awarded a fully funded scholarship from The College of Legal Practice to embark on the SQE2, the final stage to qualifying as a solicitor! This scholarship will make a huge contribution towards my career and I am so grateful for the opportunity. The scholarship means even more, as I embark on a new voluntary position as a School Governor as a safeguarding link, a role that means a lot for someone who was permanently excluded from school and attended a unit due to home circumstances, to now be in a position to make positive changes and to be awarded my second scholarship for a profession I faced so much doubt to enter means so much.”
Kiera O'Connor
Liliya graduated in law from university in Ukraine in 2022 and came to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine initiative. She is working in the Homes for Ukraine Migration Team in Warwickshire County Council advocating for asylum seekers.“The scholarship provided by the College of Legal Practice is real and solid support on my journey towards qualifying as a solicitor in the UK. I am honoured to become a College of Legal Practice scholarship holder and excited to start my SQE preparation courses. Having a legal foundation from overseas, obtaining knowledge about English law and the legal system is essential due to its unique nature. I look forward to broadening my professional horizons.” Liliya Nahorna
Lilya Nahorna
Felecia Crawford:
“With great enthusiasm I am honoured and deeply grateful to be awarded this scholarship to complete my legal qualifications. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and contributing positively to the community.” Felecia Crawford
Benjamin completed a PGDL and a placement with LSBU Legal Advice Clinic and he is looking forward to starting his journey to becoming a solicitor."As a first-generation university student, my journey has been filled with determination and perseverance to overcome numerous challenges. Securing my first paralegal role, after 296 applications, is a testament to my unwavering commitment to the legal profession. This scholarship has greatly alleviated the financial burden, empowering my continued pursuit of a career as a solicitor, and it reflects The College of Legal Practice's inspiring dedication to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within the legal industry. Thank you so much for believing in my potential and for investing in my future." Benjamin Lee
Benjamin Lee
Dr Giles Proctor, Chief Executive Officer, The College of Legal Practice, said: “Many congratulations to our successful SQE scholarship holders, we are looking forward to welcoming you at the College. This scholarship scheme is one of the most important ways in which the College can increase access to the solicitor profession. We are very proud to have over 20 scholarship students studying with us now and look forward to hearing their progress through the SQE.”
Background on scholarship schemes
The College of Legal Practice runs SQE scholarship programmes every year, offering those with financial and other barriers to progressing in the profession the opportunity to prepare for the SQE free of charge with the College.
These opportunities are only offered to those students who are fully ready and prepared to take the next step to qualification and have impressed the panel with their dedication to the legal sector, their academic performance and level of resilience and ability to perform despite often significant personal challenges.
This scheme is a very important part of the College’s equity, diversity and inclusion framework and aligns with our values as a not-for-profit global legal education group. The College also offers scholarships as part of the Law Society and Birmingham Law Society Diversity Schemes.
Looking to apply to our SQE scholarships? Sign up to our scholarship interest form found below.