RDJ Diversity Scholarship aims to impact ethnic diversity in legal profession
RDJ is pleased to announce that applications for the 2023 RDJ Diversity Scholarship are now open. The annual scholarship will be awarded to two students intending to study law at University College Cork. In furtherance of the firm’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, preference will be given to students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic Background.
Now in its third year, the RDJ Diversity Scholarship supports students from Asian, Black and Minority Ethnic Backgrounds studying Law at UCC, with the aim of encouraging diversity in the legal profession in Ireland. RDJ has donated €40,000 over four years for the scholarships, which are awarded to two UCC School of Law students each year.
Aoife Nazneen Nurul Khasri and Ruth Fu Dong McKernan — the recipients of the 2022 awards— each received a scholarship worth €5,000 and a work placement opportunity with RDJ. The award was made following a competitive selection process based on exam results, a personal statement, a 1,000-word essay discussing the topic, “The Need for Diversifying the Legal Profession in Ireland” and an interview.
Ruth Fu Dong McKernan is a final year law student (BCL International). Speaking on the scholarship and her experience of working at RDJ, she said:
The RDJ Scholarship has provided me with the opportunity of having hands-on experience of working in a leading Irish law firm. I have really enjoyed my time at RDJ where I have been able to actively engage in practical legal work, expand my legal knowledge, and submerse myself in the diverse and inclusive culture that is upheld in RDJ. Thanks to this scholarship, I am certain of my journey in pursuing a legal career
Aoife Nazneen Nurul Khasri has just completed her second year of the BCL Law (Clinical) programme. Speaking on the scholarship and her experience of working at RDJ, she said:
The RDJ Scholarship and spending time at RDJ has been a wonderful and invaluable experience. By providing incredible insight into the practicalities of working at a law firm, it has solidified my aim in pursuing a legal career in the future. The working environment is kind and encouraging, with everyone here making it comfortable to learn and ask questions. I am very grateful to RDJ for providing me with this opportunity.
Acknowledging the importance of encouraging diversity in the legal profession, Jamie Olden, Managing Partner at RDJ said:
“Greater diversity and inclusion are among RDJ’s core values. This scholarship is in keeping with our commitment to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we are part of.
As a firm we are focused on our priorities to attract, retain, and promote diverse individuals from different backgrounds, races and genders. We do this not just because it’s the right thing to do but because it makes us better and it makes our teams better. Diverse teams offer a wide range of perspectives and experiences, which can lead to increased innovation and problem solving, and allow us to provide the best possible value for our clients.
The 2023 RDJ Diversity Scholarships are now open for applications. Details on the scholarship and how to apply can be found here. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2023.
UCC School of Law
The UCC School of Law is a leading international school, committed to excellence and innovation in legal education and research, with the aim of shaping a just society. Ranked among the top 100 Law Schools worldwide, students receive a first-class education from a vibrant community of legal scholars who are leading experts in their fields. The School offers a wide range of high-quality programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level, such as the flagship BCL Pathways undergraduate degree, where students have the opportunity to specialise with a clinical placement or international exchange component. UCC School of Law graduates are career-ready, equipped with the legal knowledge and practical workplace skills needed to take on the challenges that we face in today’s world.
RDJ LLP
RDJ is one of Ireland’s leading corporate law firms. With a team of more than 280 people and offices in Cork, Dublin, Galway and London, the firm’s clients include global insurance companies, financial institutions, scaling and established Irish companies and multinationals.
RDJ is committed to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion through recruitment, career development, and ongoing outreach to the communities in which RDJ has a presence. By taking active steps to increase diversity in the workplace and promote a culture of equality, openness and belonging, we can deliver meaningful careers and the most progressive answers for our clients.
RDJ has been recognised by the Irish Centre for Diversity and awarded their Investors in Diversity Silver Standard.
* Pictured above (L-R): Ruth Fu Dong McKernan, UCC law student; Professor Mark Poustie, Dean of Law, University College Cork; Aoife Nazneen Nurul Khasri, UCC law student. Ruth and Aoife were the recipients of the 2022 RDJ Diversity Scholarships and are currently working at RDJ as part of their summer internship programme.