The DLA Piper Global Scholarships Programme 2025 is a prestigious two-year initiative designed to support the education and professional growth of talented law students (referred to as Fellows) from developing countries.
The scholarship provides a comprehensive range of benefits, from full financial coverage to leadership development, all aimed at fostering the next generation of exceptional lawyers and global leaders. By offering these opportunities, DLA Piper is dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive legal community that values innovation, professional development, and a commitment to justice.
Through this scholarship, DLA Piper seeks to not only provide practical learning experiences but also to cultivate future legal professionals who will contribute significantly to the development of the rule of law in their respective countries and across borders. Whether the Fellows enter private legal practice, public service, or non-governmental sectors, the Programme equips them with the knowledge, skills, and network needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the DLA Piper Global Scholarships for 2025, including eligibility requirements, the benefits the scholarship offers, and key details for applicants to understand the Programme.
Purpose of the DLA Piper Global Scholarships Programme
The DLA Piper Global Scholarships Programme aims to provide transformative opportunities for students from developing countries who aspire to become leaders in law and social justice. The core objective of this scholarship is to foster the growth of legal professionals who will contribute to building robust legal frameworks and systems in their home countries and around the world.
The scholarship is not intended as a recruitment tool for DLA Piper. Rather, it serves as a platform for students to develop their educational experience, boost their confidence, and expand their professional aspirations. The Programme focuses on helping students define and achieve their personal and professional goals, which could lead them into commercial environments, such as law firms and multinational corporations, or into the public service, including roles in government, non-governmental organizations, or the judiciary.
Overview of the Scholarship
The DLA Piper Global Scholarships are fully funded and cover a variety of costs associated with pursuing a law degree at top institutions. This includes tuition fees, living expenses, and costs associated with professional development such as internships, networking events, and training programmes.
This Programme is open to students pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees in law, and it is designed to support them throughout their academic and professional journey. By providing comprehensive funding and access to a global network of legal professionals, the scholarship seeks to ensure that its recipients have all the resources needed to achieve academic excellence and develop leadership skills.
Summary of the Scholarship:
- Type of Scholarship: Undergraduate, Masters scholarships
- Duration: 24 months (two years)
- School to Study: DLA Piper and partner institutions
- Sponsor: DLA Piper
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Countries: Open to students from developing countries around the world
- Benefits: Full scholarship covering tuition fees, living stipends, travel costs, laptop, accommodation, and more.
- Application Deadline: December 20, 2024
Requirements for Eligibility
The DLA Piper Global Scholarships are open to talented law students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Current Law Students: Applicants must be in their final or penultimate year of study in law at a university in their home country, or have completed their undergraduate law degree and be accepted into a Master’s degree program in a related field.
- Academic Excellence: Applicants should either be achieving or expected to achieve a first-class degree, or be within the top 10% of their class. The scholarship seeks students who demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to excellence in their studies.
- University Recommendation: Candidates are required to provide a letter of recommendation from their university, ideally from a faculty member, the head of department, or the dean of their law school. This recommendation will vouch for the applicant’s academic potential and suitability for the Programme.
- English Proficiency: A good level of spoken and written English is necessary, as this will enable students to fully engage with the Programme’s academic and professional activities.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of the country from which they are applying.
Benefits of the DLA Piper Global Scholarships 2025
The DLA Piper Global Scholarships 2025 offer a wide range of benefits designed to ease the financial burden on students and enhance their educational and professional development. Here are some of the core benefits:
1. Full Tuition Coverage
The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for the entire duration of the Programme, whether the student is pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree in law. This eliminates the need for students to worry about the high costs associated with top-tier legal education, enabling them to focus solely on their academic and career aspirations.
2. Living Stipends and Accommodation
In addition to tuition fees, the scholarship provides stipends to cover living costs. This includes food, accommodation, transport, and visa fees. By covering all basic living expenses, DLA Piper ensures that Fellows can dedicate their time and energy to their studies and professional development without the stress of managing their day-to-day expenses.
3. Laptop and Technology
Each selected Fellow receives a laptop, along with other essential tech equipment such as headphones and a phone. These tools are crucial for academic success, particularly for international students who need reliable devices to access learning resources, conduct research, and participate in online courses and events.
4. Financial Support for Study Materials
The scholarship also provides financial support for relevant study materials such as textbooks, subscriptions, and other learning resources. This ensures that Fellows have access to the materials they need to succeed in their studies, regardless of their financial background.
5. Support for Professional Development
During the scholarship period, Fellows will also have access to various professional development opportunities, such as internships at DLA Piper offices with commercial and pro bono clients. These internships allow students to gain practical experience in the legal field, further enhancing their skills and career prospects.
Additional professional development benefits include:
- Business Attire Support: Financial assistance to purchase professional clothing in preparation for internships and future job placements.
- Professional Interview Preparation: Fellows will receive training in professional interview techniques, helping them present themselves effectively to potential employers in the future.
Leadership and Personal Development
Fellows will also benefit from a series of development courses designed to foster leadership skills and personal growth. Key offerings include:
- Leadership Course: A course delivered in partnership with Said Business School, Oxford University, which helps Fellows develop essential leadership skills for the legal profession.
- Soft Skills Training: A week-long course focusing on personal branding, CV writing, social media presence, and communication skills, designed to prepare Fellows for success in their legal careers.
Language Learning Support
To enhance global communication and interaction, the scholarship offers access to Rosetta Stone language learning resources. This is particularly useful for Fellows planning to work internationally, where multilingual skills can be a valuable asset.
Learning and Development Opportunities
The DLA Piper Global Scholarships Programme offers a range of tailored learning and development initiatives to help Fellows develop both professionally and personally:
- Networking Opportunities: Fellows have the chance to meet experienced lawyers, legal professionals, and fellow students from around the world, expanding their networks and gaining exposure to diverse perspectives in the legal field.
- Online DLA Piper Training Resources: Fellows will have access to a wealth of online training resources provided by DLA Piper, helping them stay ahead of trends and developments in the legal profession.
- Clear Career Guidance: The Programme provides ongoing support in defining and pursuing clear educational and professional goals, helping students map out a path to success after completing their studies.
Application Process
The application process for the DLA Piper Global Scholarships is straightforward but competitive. Applicants will need to submit the following documents:
- Academic Transcript: A copy of your most recent university transcript to evidence your academic performance.
- Letter of Recommendation: A recommendation from a university professor, head of department, or dean, verifying your academic excellence and potential for success in the Programme.
- Video Submission: A short video (no more than 2 minutes) where you introduce yourself, explain your motivation for studying law, and share why you believe you are a strong candidate for the scholarship.
The application deadline for the DLA Piper Global Scholarships 2025 is December 20, 2024. All applications must be submitted before this date to be considered.
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Conclusion
The DLA Piper Global Scholarships 2025 offers a life-changing opportunity for law students from developing countries to receive world-class education, gain valuable professional experience, and develop leadership skills that will help them make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. By covering tuition fees, living expenses, and providing professional development opportunities, the Programme ensures that recipients have the resources they need to excel academically and professionally.
Through this initiative, DLA Piper is helping shape the future of the global legal profession, empowering young lawyers to contribute to the advancement of the rule of law, human rights, and social justice worldwide.
FAQs
What is the DLA Piper Global Scholarships Programme?
The DLA Piper Global Scholarships Programme is a fully funded, two-year scholarship aimed at supporting talented law students from developing countries. The Programme provides students with the opportunity to pursue undergraduate or master’s degrees in law, covering all tuition fees, living expenses, professional development opportunities, and more. It is designed to help shape the next generation of legal professionals and leaders who will contribute to the rule of law in their home countries and globally.
Who can apply for the scholarship?
The scholarship is open to law students from developing countries who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be studying law and in your final or penultimate year of study in your home country, or have already completed a law degree and have been accepted to pursue a Master’s degree in a related field.
- You should be achieving, or expected to achieve, a first-class degree or be in the top 10% of your class.
- You must be a citizen of the country from which you are applying.
- You must have a good level of spoken and written English to fully participate in the programme.
What are the key benefits of the scholarship?
The DLA Piper Global Scholarships provide a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Full tuition coverage for the duration of your studies (two years).
- Living stipends to cover accommodation, food, transport, and other daily expenses.
- Financial support for study materials, including textbooks and subscriptions.
- Laptop and other tech equipment (e.g., phone and headphones).
- Access to professional development opportunities such as internships with DLA Piper, leadership training courses, and networking events.
- Support for business attire and interview preparation to assist with professional placements.
- Access to online training resources and leadership courses in partnership with Oxford University.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the DLA Piper Global Scholarships 2025 is December 20, 2024. All applications must be submitted before this date to be considered.