Extended deadline for Grassroots Programme, a boost for Black Law students

The programme is a bespoke opportunity designed to promote and increase equality of access to the legal profession.  It does this by delivering a series of careers and skills workshops throughout the academic year, held in partnership with industry experts and experienced lawyers. This includes looking at CVs, interviews, networking and much more.

Grassroots is sponsored by the university alongside the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan and the University of Bristol. Successful applicants will be welcomed to the programme in September 2021, and workshops will take place until June 2022.

Louise Hall, Lecturer in Law, said: “This opportunity could potentially open so many doors for our Black students. One of the barriers some of our students face is being able to access these magic circle firms. It’s a brilliant opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, connections and support.”

Grassroots candidates, once completing the programme, will gain necessary insight and a plethora of skills to equip them for building a strong legal career.

Applications have now been extended until Wednesday 21 July and more details on how to apply can be found on the BSN Grassroots website.

To apply, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• from Black backgrounds (i.e. Black African, black African Caribbean, mixed-race black African or mixed-race black African Caribbean backgrounds)
• from “non-traditional” or “less advantaged” backgrounds (see below for more details on this)
• demonstrate a commitment to their professional and academic career (by reference to academic achievement/predicted grades and course attendance levels) and their ability to participate for the duration of the Programme; and
• demonstrate the potential to excel in the legal profession.

Indicators of “non-traditional” or “less advantaged” backgrounds include (but are not limited to) being:

• the first generation in the family to attend university
• eligible or in receipt of a means-tested maintenance grant from Student Finance England; and/or
• attendance at a state or non-fee-paying school during secondary education.