Law firm Freeths has named the first two students who have been accepted onto its newly launched bursary programme. They are Umamah Faquirbhai from De Montfort University (DMU) and Maymunah Valimia from the University of Leicester.
The bursary will provide the local undergraduate law students with £4,000 annually, during their second and third years at university, as well as wider support from the firm during this time. This includes mentoring, a paid summer placement and an interview for the firm’s graduate apprenticeship scheme, based in Leicester.
Having impressed senior leaders at Freeths during an assessment day, both Maymunah and Umamah are now determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Maymunah said: “I come from a low-income family, but I don’t want that to stop me. I’m determined to become a great lawyer and I’m up for the challenge. When I researched Freeths, I loved what I found and had a feeling this was right for me.”
Umamah continued: “This opportunity is a real stepping stone for me. I want to do my best for my entire family. I work part-time as an exam invigilator and the bursary means I can now work fewer hours and focus on my studies.”
The bursary was established in memory of Mukesh Patel, former Managing Partner of Freeths’ Leicester, who passed away in February 2023 aged 54, leaving behind his wife Rita and their two sons.
Mukesh was a respected and popular member of Freeths and his local legal community. He was born and went to school in Leicester and led the firm’s regional Dispute Resolution team. He subsequently became Managing Partner in 2014.
Freeths launched the scheme to honour Mukesh’s legacy and highlight his commitment to diversity and equality within the legal sphere and the local business community. The programme aims to continue Mukesh’s passion for opening doors for young people from less privileged backgrounds in Leicestershire.
Lisa Gilligan, Managing Partner of Freeths Leicester, added: “We were delighted by the quality of applicants and both Umamah and Maymunah were stand out candidates and are worthy recipients of the bursary.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming them into the office for their summer work experience and it’s been great to get to know them during the application process. The firm’s commitment to the bursary is a fitting tribute to Mukesh’s legacy and one that he would have been proud of.”
