The Law Society of England and Wales has awarded 15 scholarships
to talented aspiring solicitors as part of its Diversity Access
Scheme (DAS)*. DAS provides funding to aspiring solicitors from
disadvantaged backgrounds to complete their legal education,
obtain work experience, and access meaningful mentorship
opportunities.
Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: “I am delighted to
welcome 15 new students onto our DAS this year. I am grateful to
our sponsors as well as the many mentors and work experience
hosts who have made this possible.
“It is essential that we support people who face social,
educational, financial, or personal obstacles on their path to
qualifying as a solicitor.
“The legal profession in England and Wales must reflect the
society that it serves. It is imperative that people from all
backgrounds are given the opportunity to join and succeed in this
rewarding profession.
“I encourage any aspiring solicitor facing particular challenges
on their way to qualification to consider applying for a place on
our Diversity Access Scheme. I also invite sponsors interested in
supporting our scheme to reach out to us.”
Ayo Wale, one of the 2025 DAS awardees, said: “Coming from a care
background and a lower-income household, I have worked diligently
and persevered to reach this stage. I am incredibly grateful for
this invaluable support, which has made pursuing my goal of
becoming a solicitor truly possible."
Another 2025 DAS award recipient, Yahya Qazi, added: “It's
encouraging to be part of a scheme that doesn't just talk about
diversity but actively invests in it.”
This year's awardees were interviewed by an all-alumni panel,
including Danial Butt who won the award in 2015: “Law Society's
Diversity Access Scheme opened doors that once felt out of reach
and gave me the confidence to find my place in the profession. As
an interviewer, it's inspiring to see that same passion and
determination in others. The scheme truly helps you take those
first vital steps.”
Mark Johnson, General Counsel for Retail and Wealth Banking at
DAS sponsor NatWest said: “We've been a long-time supporter of
the Law Society's Diversity Access Scheme and have seen
first-hand the life-changing impact it has on its
recipients.
“Schemes like this are crucial to helping ensure that the legal
profession is made up of talented, driven individuals -
irrespective of their background.
“Breaking down barriers for entry into the profession is ever
more important now that we have the transition from the Legal
Practice Course to the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations, which
is almost complete.
“I'd strongly encourage prospective applicants to apply, and
prospective sponsors to seriously consider supporting the
scheme.”
Notes to editors
- * Read more about our Diversity Access
Scheme.
- The Law Society recently received funding from the Solicitors
Regulation Authority (SRA) to support aspiring solicitors sitting
the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Read our press release
here.
- Applications for the next cohort of Diversity Access Scheme
awards will open in February 2026.
- For interviews with alumni, contact the Press Office (contact
details below).
-
Find out about the
SQE.
- The Diversity Access Scheme is sponsored by:
- NatWest Legal
- Kingsley Napley
- Withers
- Hogan Lovells
- Sackers
- UBS
- S Abraham Solicitors
- BPP University
- The University of Law
- Westminster University
- Barbri
- QLTS School
- Nottingham Trent University
- The College of Legal Practice
- Stewarts
- We are also grateful to Reena Parmar for donating her
speaking fees to the DAS, and the family of Davina Ruprah for
their generous donation to the DAS in her memory.
