Baroness Lawrence celebrates law partnership with honorary degree

aroness Lawrence of Clarendon, who has campaigned tirelessly to gain justice following the murder of her son Stephen 20 years ago, will receive an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University next month.

Baroness Lawrence, who is due to be introduced into the House of Lords as a new Labour peer today, (Tuesday 15 October) was nominated by staff from the department of law and criminology at the University.

The honorary doctorate ceremony will celebrate the relationship between Baroness Lawrence and the University, a key supporter of the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme set up to address the lack of black men from low-income households pursuing a career at the ‘magic circle’ of leading London law firms.

Sheffield Hallam is one of only 15 universities taking part in the scholarship scheme set up by the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust.

The scholarship sees successful candidates receive a fully comprehensive, support package throughout their studies; including £3,500 per year contribution towards living expenses, mentoring and training, as well as opportunities to spend time at the firm. They will also be guaranteed a training contract interview with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.

Baroness Lawrence will receive her honorary doctorate in a ceremony at Sheffield City Hall on November 18 at 3pm. During November, the University is giving honorary doctorates to James North-Hearn (founding director, Sumo Digital), Kevin Curley (chief executive of National Association of Voluntary and Community Action), Chai Patel (Secret Millionaire and head of the Bright Futures Trust), Leon Taylor (Olympic diving silver medallist), Karen Darke (Paralympic silver medallist), Max Fischer (owner of Fischer’s of Baslow Hall) and Corin Mellor (creative director of Mellor Design).

For more information visit the Media Centre: http://www.shu.ac.uk/mediacentre/baroness-lawrence-celebrates-law-partnership-honorary-degree