In a move that some may view as a sign of the legal profession going down-market, and others an exciting step forward in the battle for greater social mobility in law, The Sun newspaper is offering wannabe lawyers the chance to have their university and law school fees paid – and get a guaranteed training contract when they graduate.
Rupert Murdoch’s flagship UK title – home of ‘Page Three’, ‘Deirdre’s Photo Casebook’ and leading futurologist ‘Mystic Meg’ – has teamed up with Glasgow law firm Ross Harper to provide what it describes as a “£70,000 package”.
Applicants must submit one written A4 page detailing why they should be selected by this Friday, 9 March. Winners will then be chosen from a shortlist by a panel including legal luminaries such as Capital Radio’s Paul Cooney and Scottish Sun Editor Andrew Harries.
The bad news for desperate training contract hunters is that the competition is open to applicants wishing to study for an LLB at a Scottish university only.
A spokesperson for Ross Harper said: “As part of our anniversary celebrations we are willing to support a student through their law degree and diploma in professional legal practice. There is also the offer of a traineeship with the firm upon successful completion of the academic elements.The support package will be tailor-made for the winner and will combine both financial and educational assistance. We are looking to help empower an individual who has a life barrier to further education.”
There is more information on The Sun’s website.