UCC School of Law students awarded RDJ Diversity Scholarships
Two UCC School of Law students, Caitlin Ong and Chidindu Ukah were recently awarded RDJ Diversity Scholarships by Jamie Olden, Managing Partner, RDJ, Jennifer Noctor, Partner and member of RDJ’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and Professor Mark Poustie, Dean of the UCC School of Law.
The RDJ Diversity Scholarship, which commenced in 2021, supports students from ethnically diverse backgrounds studying Law at UCC, with the aim of encouraging diversity in the legal profession. 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 were chosen as the scholarship recipients for 2024 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. The students were officially awarded their scholarships at UCC on Thursday, 7 December by Jamie Olden, Managing Partner, RDJ, Jennifer Noctor, Partner and member of RDJ’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, RDJ and Professor Mark Poustie, Dean of the UCC School of Law.
Commending the RDJ Diversity Scholars on their achievement, Jamie Olden, Managing Partner, RDJ, said:
“I am delighted to meet this year’s recipients of the RDJ Diversity Scholarship today. Caitlin and Chidindu are both outstanding students and I look forward to following what I have no doubt will be successful career paths for them both.”
He added, “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. Our goal is that initiatives like this will allow us to live up to our core values and ensure that sooner rather than later the firm will reflect society generally.”
Acknowledging the importance of encouraging diversity in the legal profession, Professor Mark Poustie, Dean of the UCC School of Law, said:
“I am delighted and grateful that RDJ continue to sponsor this transformative scholarship in partnership with the School of Law. It provides a fantastic opportunity for those from ethnically diverse backgrounds to unlock the door to the legal profession and thus will ultimately contribute to making the profession more representative of contemporary Irish society. The scholarship also fits well with the School’s mission of “Shaping a Just Society”. Many congratulations to this year’s winners, Caitlin and Chidindu!”
Caitlin Ong is a final year law student (BCL International). Speaking following the receipt of her scholarship, she said:
“I would like to express my gratitude to RDJ and the UCC School of Law for this incredible opportunity. It is important for the legal profession to reflect the diverse society it serves, and this award is a great way to achieve this. I am honoured to be a recipient of this award and a part of this active movement which strives to diversify the legal field.”
Chidindu Ukah has just started year three of the BCL Law (Clinical) programme. Speaking following the receipt of her scholarship, she said:
“Diversity and inclusion is an important part in any society and I am very honoured to be working with a firm that recognises this and acknowledges the value and strength that diversity brings to the legal field. The trust people have in the legal system is very important and diversity increases this by showing that it is accessible and available to all. This award is a testament to RDJ’s commitment to contributing to creating a diverse legal system in Ireland and I am grateful to be a beneficiary of it.”
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.
Pictured: Pictured (left-right): Jennifer Noctor, Partner, RDJ; Jamie Olden, Managing Partner, RDJ; Chidindu Ukah, UCC law student; Caitlin Ong, UCC law student; Professor Mark Poustie, Dean of Law, UCC