RDJ Diversity Scholarship aims to impact ethnic diversity in legal profession
RDJ is pleased to announce that applications for the 2024 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 other Minority Ethnic background.
RDJ has donated €40,000 over four years for the scholarships, which are awarded to two UCC School of Law students each academic year.
Caitlin Ong and Chidindu Ukah— the recipients of the 2023 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.
In this recent interview, previous year’s recipients, Ruth Fu Dong McKernan, Chidindu Ukah and Caitlin Ong, along with Mark Poustie, Dean of the UCC School of Law and Jennifer Noctor, Partner and member of RDJ’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee highlight the importance of such initiatives. They discuss existing barriers, share their experience of participating in the programme, and emphasize why scholarships like these play a vital role in promoting inclusivity.
The 2024 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 Friday, 19 October 2024.
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 and Galway, 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.