The award, created by the firm’s Reach (race, ethnicity and cultural heritage) network, will give two law students attending university in Birmingham, Leeds or Manchester an opportunity to receive a financial bursary, obtain work experience at Mills & Reeve and receive mentorship from the firm.
The Reach network provides the opportunity for Black and racially minoritised staff and allies to share work related issues of common interest and concern in a safe environment. It represents network members at relevant internal consultations and helps disseminate inclusive best practice in relation to Black and racially minoritised communities across the firm.
In line with the Reach network’s aims, the awards are aimed at Black and racially minoritised students, and is part of the firm’s wider initiatives to encourage young people from under-represented communities to gain work experience and qualify as lawyers.
Previously named the BAME Bursary Award, the award was set up in 2020 and has already supported a De Montfort University student. Birmingham Black Lawyers (BBL), a networking group that encourages a higher level of integration within the profession, helped to set up the award last year and will be supporting with the shortlisting process and choosing the winners of the awards.
Dawn Brathwaite, consultant and co-Chair of the Reach network at Mills & Reeve said: “It’s great to see Mills & Reeve building on last year’s offering by funding not one, but two development awards in 2022. Constantly challenging ourselves to find ways to open doors to those from under-represented communities continues to be one of our key goals as we strive to see greater numbers from the Black and racially minoritised communities enter the profession. We are also pleased to be once again partnering with Birmingham Black Lawyers (BBL) on this initiative. I encourage all students who meet the criteria to apply.”
Read more about the award and apply here.
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