Rising legal talent secures Diversity Access Scheme scholarships

News

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 Examination, 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

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.