London law alumni support ANU law students
Thank you to the London Committee for organising this opportunity and for your generosity and willingness to provide such a unique experience.
The ANU College of Law alumni community in London have created a unique opportunity for two students to intern in a London legal firm. The scholarship is valued at £8,000 and funds flights, accommodation and cost of living during a 12-week supervised internship that provides realistic, high-level and varied legal work experience.
The Dean of the ANU College of Law, Professor Stephen Bottomley, said the Law School was extremely proud of its alumni community and their willingness to give back and continue to enrich the student experience.
"ANU Law alumni are recognised leaders across a diverse range of sectors and make significant contributions in Australia and overseas. Whilst ANU Law students learn from some of Australia's leading legal experts, we are proud to involve alumni in our learning environment and be able to offer this truly unique opportunity for students. I thank our alumni for their generous support and vision," said Professor Bottomley.
Two students from the ANU College of Law, Sonali Fernando and Prashant Kelshiker, were awarded the inaugural scholarships. Sonali, originally from Perth, undertook her internship at Latham & Watkins LLP under the guidance of ANU Law alumnus Tom Evans, a Partner specialising in Mergers & Acquisitions.
"They tried to give me the best of everything they were working on at the time, and they would take the time to sit down and explain things or guide me. They definitely invest in you which I really appreciated," Sonali said.
"One of the things I was involved in was a foundation called 28 Too Many which is trying to eliminate female genital mutilation in 28 African countries," she said. "And I worked on a matter for FINCA which provides microfinance for people in disadvantaged countries." Prashant undertook his internship with Philip Coppel QC, at Cornerstone Barristers, set within London's historic Gray's Inn.
"One thing I really appreciated was the ability to work across a diverse range of cases. Philip was actively concerned to ensure I received exposure to work that was interesting and educational," Prashant said. Both Prashant and Sonali thanked the scholarship donors and the London committee for organising the opportunity.
"It affirmed my plans to work in the profession and I definitely think I'm in a better place to apply for clerkships now," Sonali added.
