Includes bursary at Sheffield Uni Law School
Mishcon de Reya has launched a memorial fund in memory of a junior lawyer who passed away earlier this year. It comprises an award for colleagues committed to pro bono, mentoring and volunteering, alongside a bursary fund at the University of Sheffield.
Agatha Hunt joined the firm as a trainee in 2022 before qualifying into the reputation protection and crisis management team in 2024. She passed away in May of this year.
In her memory, the firm have set up The Agatha Hunt Memorial Fund and Award. The fund will be made up of two separate initiatives, the Agatha Hunt Award for Outstanding Contribution to Responsible Business, as well as a bursary fund at the University of Sheffield Law School.
Throughout her time at the firm, Hunt was herself heavily involved in pro bono and community work, such as providing pro bono advice to litigants in person through the Royal Courts of Justice Advice Centre.
The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Responsible Business will recognise colleagues at the firm who have made an exceptional commitment to mentoring, volunteering and pro bono service. The first iteration of the award will be given posthumously to Hunt, with the honour accepted by her family. Future recipients will receive a physical award and the opportunity to nominate a charity to receive a £500 donation.
The Agatha Hunt Bursary Fund, established in partnership with the University of Sheffield Law School, where Agatha studied and remained actively involved after graduating, will provide support for law students, including pro bono bursaries, mooting competition sponsorship and academic prizes awarded in her memory.
To kickstart the fund, Mishcon have pledged £50,000 between now and 2032.
Emma Woollcott, partner and head of Mishcon de Reya’s reputation and crisis management team said:
“Agatha placed the highest value on generosity of spirit. She was always the first to volunteer to support others and to collaborate on initiatives which benefited our clients and our community. She understood the privilege of being a lawyer and used her skills and experience to help others to access their rights and to fulfil their potential. I am extremely proud that we are honouring her life in this way and continuing her legacy of empowerment and commitment to public service.”
