Two talented young people are on the road to forging a successful career in law, thanks to the continuing BLS scheme launched to improve diversity in the legal sector.
Gateley Legal, Higgs LLP, The College of Legal Practice and The University of Law continue to support Birmingham Law Society’s Diversity Inclusion Scheme, which helps law degree graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds or under-represented groups.
This year’s successful candidates were Sanjana Dehar and Senyah Hussain.
Sanjana Dehar has secured a fully funded scholarship to complete SQE1 and SQE2 preparation courses with The College of Legal Practice and has also been offered a vacation scheme placement and mentoring support at both Higgs LLP and Gateley Legal.
Sanjana, 22, recently completed her LLB at Birmingham City University and is currently working as a Paralegal in-house.
“Being selected for the Birmingham Law Society Diversity and Inclusion Scheme is a moment of real pride and a huge milestone for me. As a first-generation university student with no legal connections, navigating the legal profession has sometimes felt daunting and inaccessible, especially with the costs and how competitive this industry is. That is why this scholarship is so meaningful to me – it’s given me the chance to study, gain real legal experience and receive tailored mentoring that I would not have access to otherwise. I am excited to begin my preparation course and to learn from both Higgs LLP and Gateley Legal. I am extremely grateful that this scheme exists. It is an incredible opportunity, and I intend to make the most of it.”
Senyah Hussain has secured a fully funded scholarship to complete the LLM Legal Practice combined with SQE preparation course at The University of Law’s Birmingham campus and has also been offer offered a vacation scheme placement and mentoring support at both Higgs LLP and Gateley Legal.
Senyah, 21, studied her LLB Law at the University of Birmingham.
“Being awarded the diversity and inclusion scholarship is a humbling and inspiring moment in my academic journey, and I am thankful beyond words, a true ‘pinch me’ moment! Being one of the first in my family to attend university, whilst I recognise the privilege in that opportunity has felt disheartening at times. Navigating my legal studies without the guidance of those around me can feel challenging, like knocking on doors without knowing what, if anything, lies behind them. Therefore, the chance to receive mentorship through this scholarship is incredibly valuable, and I am eager to take full advantage of it.
I deeply appreciate the Diversity and Inclusion scheme in opening the doors of qualification up to those of us who otherwise would have struggled. The legal industry still lacks diverse voices, something that I am passionate about challenging to give back to the community that shaped me. Completing my SQE brings me a step closer to that goal, and receiving this scholarship has given me a renewed sense of purpose and determination to help drive meaningful change in the profession.”
Birmingham Law Society’s Diversity Inclusion Scheme was first launched in 2020.
Sharon Thandi, member of the Birmingham Law Society EDI Committee and Social Mobility sub-committee said: “I am thrilled that the Birmingham Law Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Scheme, now in its sixth year, continues to empower talented individuals from diverse and under-represented backgrounds. As the lead for administering the scheme within the BLS EDI Committee and Social Mobility subgroup, it has been great to see the success of the scheme as a driver to improve access to opportunity and social mobility within our legal profession. My thanks go to our partner organisations, Higgs LLP, Gateley Legal, the University of Law and the College of Legal Practice for their continued support with the scheme. Lastly congratulations to Senyah and Sanjana, this year’s successful candidates!”
Sophie Wardell, People Director at Higgs LLP, commented: ““Higgs remains committed to inclusion and to helping people overcome any barriers they may face when starting a career in law. As we mark our 150th year, we’re more focused than ever on listening to our people, strengthening our networks and building a culture where everyone feels they belong. The Diversity & Inclusion Scheme is just one example of how we put this into practice by offering meaningful opportunities, mentoring and support to talented individuals. I hope that by providing placements and guidance we help people achieve their ambitions and take the first steps in their legal careers. There were some fantastic applications again this year and we look forward to seeing each of them succeed.”
Sophie Wardell
People Director
Claire Alderson, Early Careers Manager at Gateley Legal, said: “I’ve been delighted that Gateley have been once again asked to support this incredible scheme and continue our commitment to helping those from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds to access the legal profession. I hope that this will confirm our dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal sector, especially by supporting aspiring solicitors from underrepresented communities. I’m really looking forward to hosting the two successful applicants at our Summer Vacation Scheme next year.”
Amanda Hedayati, Director of Campuses at The University of Law (ULaw), commented: “We are incredibly proud to support this important initiative once again and to see such inspiring talent recognised through it. Senyah Hussain’s achievement reflects not only her dedication and potential, but also the importance of creating pathways into the legal profession for those who may otherwise face financial barriers. At ULaw, we remain firmly committed to widening participation and supporting the legal ambitions of students across the region. Our ongoing partnership with the Birmingham Law Society is a key part of that commitment, and we look forward to seeing Senyah go from strength to strength as she takes the next steps in her legal journey.”
Jane Waddell, Head of Curriculum at The College of Legal Practice added: "Once again, we are delighted to be a part of this important scheme improving access to the legal profession. I was very impressed by the calibre of all the applicants for the Diversity Scheme and many congratulations to the successful candidates. They demonstrated a strong commitment to becoming a solicitor and contributing to the local Birmingham legal sector, and we look forward to Sanjana joining our SQE1 programme in September."
