Uptree

Placement details

Overview

Application deadline date: Friday 16th October 2026

Location: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Manchester

Bursary Amount: £5,000

Start Date: Summer 2027

Application Criteria: You must be starting your first year of an undergraduate LLB degree at a UK university in the 2026/2027 academic year.

This award is designed to support young people from less privileged backgrounds. As such, students must meet the following criteria;

• Always attended a state school

And at least one of the following

• Grew up in a household where no parent or guardian attended University.
• Have been, or are currently, in local authority care.
• Previously received free school meals, Pupil Premium, Education Maintenance Allowance and/or 16 to 19 Bursary.
• Have been, or are currently a full-time or part-time carer.
• Came to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker.
• The occupation of the main household earner is categorised as a routine or manual occupation.
• Attended a state school or college with:
  • below average A-Level or Higher point score and/or
  • low rate of progression to higher education

Key Skills: Ambition to succeed in law; commitment to social impact; genuine interest in Addleshaw Goddard; strong communication skills; resilience and determination.

Application Deadline: Submissions close Friday 16th October 2026 (rolling review)

How to Apply: Click 'Apply' at the top of this page to find out more and submit your application online.

About the opportunity

The Sonia McMahon Award was established in memory of a Partner at Addleshaw Goddard who embodied imagination and impact. This award supports law students from less privileged backgrounds, enabling them to access higher education whilst gaining insight into a leading law firm.

As an awardee, you will receive a £5,000 bursary distributed across your first university year. You will also benefit from meaningful mentoring from experienced lawyers at Addleshaw Goddard and undertake a week-long work experience placement at the firm during summer 2027. This combination of financial support, mentoring and practical experience helps you develop the skills and networks you need to succeed in law.

Main benefits and responsibilities include:

• Receiving a £5,000 bursary paid in three instalments (November 2026: £2,500; January 2027: £1,500; Summer 2027 on completion of work experience: £1,000).
• Being matched with a lawyer mentor who will support your development and answer your questions about law and legal careers.
• Undertaking a one-week work experience placement at Addleshaw Goddard, working alongside lawyers on real client matters across a range of practice areas.
• Engaging with the firm's culture and meeting other young people pursuing legal careers.
• Gaining practical insight into what it means to work as a lawyer at a top-tier law firm.
• Committing to maintain contact with your mentor throughout your university years.

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About Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard is a leading international law firm with offices across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. For over 150 years, the firm has advised corporate and financial clients, governments and public sector organisations on their most complex legal challenges. Addleshaw Goddard is committed to supporting young talent from diverse backgrounds and believes that law should be accessible to all. The firm champions social mobility through targeted bursaries, mentoring and early careers opportunities designed to break down barriers and create pathways into the profession for talented students regardless of their background.

Learn more about Addleshaw Goddard by visiting their company page.

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Next steps

Click 'Apply' at the top of this page to register and submit your application. Ensure you take time to draft thoughtful answers that reflect your own experiences and aspirations. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

If you need any adjustments or support with your application, please contact Sonia Kumar.

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