Breaking barriers: how the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship is changing lives

Applying to the scheme

Both Joel and Medhane found out about the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship from their academics who encouraged them to apply. They each had to record a two-minute film of themselves saying why they would be ideal candidates. Joel says, “I made 100s of attempts. I wanted it to run non-stop and without edits.” Medhane too struggled “all my storage was used up!” 

Katy Peters, Director of Employability for Surrey Law School, supported them in their application and coaxed them through the process.  

Once their videos and Katy’s nomination forms were sent off, they then found out that they’d been invited to the residential assessment centre at Freshfields’ offices near Liverpool Street in the City.  

Assessment centre 

Joel had no idea what to expect at the assessment centre. Medhane describes it as being “very intimidating,” explaining that, “it was the first time I was in a room full of 25 young black men just as ambitious as me if not more so”. Joel adds, “the other candidates were outstanding”. 

The assessors look for potential rather than knowledge and they assess candidates on different skills, e.g. verbal, analytical and logical thinking, leadership, writing, negotiation – all core skills for a commercial setting. In addition, all candidates carried out an online psychometric test and were interviewed. 

Freshfields paid for all their expenses, including staying at a hotel near the offices. 

Finding out 

Neither knew how well they had done – some of the other candidates were seriously impressive. 

Once the assessments were done, then began the wait to find out. Once they found out they had been successful, they then had to keep it secret until the official announcement in July. 

The scholarship 

The scholars meet up once a month at Freshfields to hear talks from Freshfields staff – partners, former Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholars, specialist lawyers – as well as other City businesses, e.g. Aon, Bank of England, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs.  

Both Joel and Medhane think they know which branch of law they want to enter when they graduate. For Joel, it’s commercial law, and for Medhane, competition law. Medhane explains: “When we heard from the pro bono law team I realised that you can have the vocational element of your career while also specialising in your preferred commercial sector. I could have best of both worlds!”  

Joel, who has finished his scholarship, also had work placements as part of the scheme. He had work experience in the Cambridge offices of two businesses with whom Freshfields has a ‘partnered collaboration’: Astra Zeneca and Eversheds. In addition, Joel completed placements in London at the Bank of England and Chevron, as well as an insight week with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). At all his placements he saw at first-hand how commercial decisions are made within a legal framework, giving Joel great insight into the type of career he wishes to pursue. 

Medhane is actively applying for summer vacation schemes at leading commercial law firms, including Freshfields and Hogan Lovells, while also exploring potential internships with the Bank of England and the Financial Times. His focus is on gaining hands-on experience in the intersection of law, finance, and business, reflecting his keen interest in commercial and financial legal matters. 

At the end of Joel’s scholarship there was a graduation ceremony which was attended by Baroness Lawrence. 

Project Week 

As part of the scholarship scheme, Freshfields run Project Week – essentially role- playing in a hypothetical high-pressure professional services environment where scholars are challenged to create a comprehensive report on an important issue. 

During Project Week, the scholars have to come up with innovative strategies/solutions within a legal framework. Joel’s cohort tackled the challenge of advising a pharmaceutical client on the use of generative AI in their operations. The project offered a first-hand look at how emerging technologies intersect with legal and regulatory considerations. Joel described how ‘our teamwork and analytical skills were really tested as we had to craft practical, legally sound advice while ensuring it was clear and accessible to the client. For Medhane, his cohort’s scenario was to analyse a high-stakes ransomware crisis simulation, offering a first-hand look at how law firms navigate cyberattacks. Medhane described how ‘our communication skills were tested we had to explain our solutions to clients in an accessible, legal-ese/jargon-free, way.” 

How are they benefiting from being on the scholarship? 

“Loads!” they both say: “It’s made me come out of my shell,” says Medhane; “I’ll talk to anyone now!” Confidence is something Joel has also seen improve. He admits, “I wouldn’t have been able to do this interview before!  I wouldn’t have been able to do this interview before! Each networking session was an intentional opportunity to connect with professionals, and as I engaged with more people, my communication skills and confidence grew with every conversation.” 

Their university studies have both benefited from their time as a Stephen Lawrence Scholar too. Joel says: “My time management skills have improved vastly!  Now, I actively engage with my lecturers with clear intent, knowing exactly what I want to gain from those conversations, a skill I developed through networking during the scholarship. My writing skills have also become more concise and intentional. My grades have improved since my first year, and I attribute that growth to the skills and experiences gained through the scholarship.” Medhane too has been taking notes from the time management skills he’s learned on the scholarship to help him with revision tactics and group work.