Mr Rattigan, from Sligo, and Ms Prince, from Meath, received the internship award on the basis of their results on the funds law module of Maynooth University’s LLM programmes and a competitive interview process.

Mr Rattigan also received a separate legal writing award for his written work forming part of the course assessment.

Under a partnership dating back to 2013, Matheson’s Brónagh Maher co-ordinates and delivers the funds law module at Maynooth School of Law and Criminology, which forms part of the LLM in global legal studies and the LLM in international business law.

Tara Doyle, head of Matheson’s asset management and investment funds department, said: “We are delighted to offer these students a gateway into the funds sector, an area in which Ireland has established itself as a global player.

“Our collaboration with Maynooth University aims to ensure that graduates have the necessary knowledge, skills and mentoring to pursue successful careers in the funds industry and is one way in which Matheson makes a meaningful contribution to enhancing and promoting Ireland’s reputation as an international leader in financial services and as a leading international fund domicile.”

Matheson partner Liz Grace, who originally wrote and designed the course, added: “Ireland’s ability to offer a skilled talent pool continues to be a key factor for international mobile investment choosing to locate here.

“Partnerships such as this between industry and academia are vital in order to pass complex legal and regulatory knowledge to our graduates — and to develop the skills base necessary to ensure Ireland’s continued success as a hub for international financial services.

“Well done to our hard-working recipients of this year’s prizes, David and Jobitha, and to all of the students who graduated from the course.”

Dr Fergus Ryan, head of the School of Law and Criminology at Maynooth University, said: “This initiative with Matheson in delivering the funds law module has always been one of the most important for the School.

“The module is a model for what can be achieved when industry and academia collaborate, with benefits for those directly involved, but also for the wider economy, and the entire third level education system.

“It is also a clear example of what law and criminology at Maynooth is all about — innovation, dynamic industry partnerships, and opportunities for our students.”