Breaking Barriers: launch of Bursary to Support Aspiring Solicitors
The Law Society of Northern Ireland is proud to announce the launch of its Bursary Scheme 2025.
The Scheme was introduced in 2023 as part of a legacy project to mark the Society’s Centenary year with the aim of broadening access to the profession by supporting Trainee Solicitors without the means to finance their place at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS).
Following the success of the scheme in 2023 and 2024, the Society has committed to funding the bursary again and is inviting applications for 2025.
Commenting on the launch of the bursary scheme the President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, Colin Mitchell said:
We believe the legal profession should be open to everyone with the ability and ambition to succeed. Our bursary scheme is about breaking down barriers and investing in the next generation of solicitors who will shape the future of law.
The application process for the bursary scheme will be open to those who have:
- A conditional place at the IPLS
- Secured a training contract and
- Who are ready to start the trainee solicitor programme in September 2025.
For more information, please email traineeinfo@lawsoc-ni.org
Past recipients comments
It cannot be stressed enough the impact this scheme has had on my professional career, allowing me to focus and commit to my studies and relieving the financial pressure that can exist for Trainee Solicitors.
This scheme will always hold an important place in my legal career and I am very grateful to the Law Society. I am proud to be part of a scheme which encourages young people like me to reach their full potential regardless of their background.
Without this award, financial worries would have been a main concern for me. This Bursary Award has allowed me to dedicate more of my focus and energy into my solicitor traineeship.
This award really has made my year! I am so grateful to be given this opportunity as it really is something I didn’t think would ever happen to me.