Law bursaries are a great way for students to fund their education should they have the gumption to make it through a lot of work in college. Students interested in a law bursary should know that, in most cases, these programs are available in South Africa, though some also have cousins across the world in the United Kingdom or even in Australia. Law firms very often rely on fresh blood to help keep the organization moving, either through helping with the books, writing up case briefs, or researching some of the facts on the ground. Those students who are lucky enough to get access to a law bursary will find that they will be introduced to their chosen professional field effectively well and they will likely start getting a taste of what is to come.
Doing a quick search on the internet reveals that there are a number of law bursaries available to students interested in the financial assistance, they only need apply themselves. Even in this economic climate many lawyers are still thriving financially and the firms which provide law bursaries are normally fairly well large and well known. Of course students looking for law bursaries should check not only with various firms but also with the colleges they are applying to as well as national organizations which connect students to bursaries as they are available.
National Law Bursaries in UK
LLM is a national organization which works to help students interested in the law get current information on the field and provide access to a number of law bursaries. They provide access to over 20 different legal bursaries in and around the United Kingdom. An example of what they have is the Birmingham Law School Legal Bursary program in which students will have access to up to 2,000 pounds or 5,000 pounds in financial aid depending on their origin. Applicants will need to be already accepted to Birmingham’s law program, have a strong academic history, and be able to show financial need. All submitted materials must be in no later than June 24.
Another law bursary offered through LLM is the University of Edinburgh Distance Learning program. Ten different law bursaries will be awarded every year of varying amounts. Students will need to be accepted into distance learning law courses, be residents of the UK, and be students of Edinburgh University. Application materials will need to be turned in by May 31.
Law Bursaries in South Africa
Norton Rose, a legal firm in South Africa, offers bursaries for law to promising students interested in the field. In 2011, the business sponsored over 20 different students around the country providing over R500, 000 in assistance. Students participate first in the “Vacation Program” in which they submit an application to work at the firm during a summer break. Successful applicants may go on to receive funding which will pay for much of their masters education. Like nearly all South African bursaries, students should know that by signing a bursar agreement they will be agreeing to work for the company after graduation to repay the amount of money spent with time worked. While this is still an excellent deal, students who want to sign up for a law bursary with Norton Rose should know for sure that they want to work in the field.
Another South African legal firm which offers law bursaries is Webber and Wentzel. Students interested in this program will receive R30, 000 to help pay for school and related expenses. All applicants will need to be from a disadvantaged background and be able to show financial need. While no specific grade point average is listed, students are expected to have a strong academic history and show great promise in the field of law. All application material is due by January 21.
DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr is another South African firm which provides students with law bursaries. In order to be considered for the program students will need to be residents of South Africa, be enrolled in a law program full time, and have a strong academic history. The decision making process determines winners based on academic success and exceptional performance in other fields. This program provides complete funding for a student’s education including related expenses. All applications are to be submitted by September 1 of every year.