A law student awarded a prestigious bursary to support her studies said she was “shocked” when she learned her application had been successful.
Samira Ahmed, who begins her second year at De Montfort Law School next month, has been chosen as the first-ever recipient of the BAME Development Award, given by legal firm Mills and Reeve, of Birmingham.
Samira and her mentor Dawn Braithwaite, partner at Mills & Reeve
The award includes £1,000 towards her studies, plus the opportunity to work in its Birmingham office as well as having one of the partners in the firm as a mentor.
“I was so shocked when I found out I’d been awarded the bursary,” said Samira. “But I’m so happy, and I’m very proud of myself as well.”
Samira credits her friend with giving her the confidence to apply for the award: “She gave me the push to apply and I’m so glad I did. Without her, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity so I would just say to any student to just go for it, no matter what. It’s about taking every opportunity you can that will enable you to succeed.”
The award was set up with Birmingham Black Lawyers, a networking group that encourages a higher level of integration within the profession. The group supports students and junior staff and acts as a bridge between the more established lawyers allowing them to share knowledge and experience.
Samira impressed the judging panel with her resilience, how she responded to life’s challenges and her determination to succeed as a lawyer.
Mills & Reeve has a taskforce in place that works to increase the proportion of BAME staff. The firm recently launched its BAME and Allies Network that supports staff, raises awareness and promotes diversity and equality issues.
Dawn Brathwaite, Partner and BAME and Allies Network Chair said: “This award is very important to us. We work hard to encourage and support students from under-represented communities to qualify as lawyers.
“The standard of the applications was extremely high but Samira’s application stood out. We look forward to working with her over the next year.”
Samira is looking forward to her second year. She said she is still looking at career choices and has chosen modules that will allow her to explore options of barrister and solicitor
Samira has also received help from the Stephen Lawrence scholarship programme, created by former DMU Chancellor Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon to help encourage more diversity in the fields of law, journalism and architecture.
Posted on Tuesday 29 September 2020