Sydney Criminal Lawyers Criminal Law Scholarship 2020

Law students in their penultimate or final year of studies are being encouraged to apply for the Sydney Criminal Lawyers annual scholarship.

The Sydney Criminal Lawyers Criminal Law Scholarship, which was awarded for the first time in 2019, is intended to help later year law students transition from university to a career.

The scholarship is open to students in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory who aspire to a career as a criminal defence lawyer.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 scholarship worth $5,000.

Successful applicants may also be offered Practical Legal Training placement and mentorship with Sydney Criminal Lawyers.

The Sydney Criminal Lawyers Criminal Law Scholarship is awarded after consideration of a  range of factors, including passion for criminal law, future objectives in the field, experience in voluntary positions and academic performance.

Last year’s scholarship recipient

Last year’s recipient of the inaugural scholarship, Ella Parkes-Talbot finished her studies in 2019 with career aspirations which include working with the Aboriginal Legal Service or Legal Aid Commission, or perhaps even going back to University to undertake a PhD.

With a strong interest in criminal law and social justice, Ella has long-term plans to eventually work in criminal defence, but at this stage is keeping her options open, so that she can gain a variety of experience.

Ella used the $5,000 scholarship money towards her College of Law fees.

Investing in the future of criminal law

“The scholarship aims to identify and to recognise the potential of dedicated and capable students,” says Sydney Criminal Lawyers Principal, Ugur Nedim.

“This is simply our firm’s way of giving back to the law community, supporting the young talented people coming out of universities while they make choices about the foundation years of their careers.

“Criminal law can be an exceptionally demanding profession. For the sake of the future of this profession it’s important that we continue to encourage young lawyers to choose criminal law, and to help them to gain a secure foothold in this area of specialisation,” Mr Nedim says.

How to apply

Applicants must have Australian citizenship or Australian permanent residency and enrolled in their penultimate or final year in an LL.B, Juris Doctor or Legal Practitioners Admission Board course, or undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, in New South Wales or the ACT.

To apply, email a covering letter, resume and academic record to Mr Ugur Nedim at un@sydneycriminallawyers.com.au. Include all contact information.

Applications close at 11.59pm, 30 November 2020.

The Sydney Criminal Lawyers Criminal Law Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit – especially in criminal law-related subjects and applicants will also be judged on the quality of their overall application, including resume, covering letter and interview with the firm’s principal.