The RDJ Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship at University of Galway supports students from ethnic minorities and those who are under-represented in the legal profession in Ireland. RDJ has donated €100,000 over 10 years for the scholarships, which are awarded to two University of Galway Law students each academic year.

The students were chosen as the scholarship recipients following a competitive selection and interview process based on exam results, a personal statement, a 1,000-word essay discussing the topic, “The Need for Diversifying the Legal Profession in Ireland”.

The students were officially awarded their scholarships at the University of Galway by JP Gilmartin, partner-in-charge of RDJ’s Galway office, Antoinette Vahey, partner at RDJ, and Professor Martin Hogg, dean of the University of Galway School of Law.

Mr Gilmartin said: “I am delighted to meet this year’s recipients of the RDJ Diversity Scholarship today. Mamadou and Salma are both outstanding students and I look forward to following what I have no doubt will be successful career paths for them both.”

Ms Vahey added: “Greater diversity and inclusion are among RDJ’s core values. This scholarship is in keeping with our commitment to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we are part of.”

Professor Martin Hogg said: “RDJ’s support in creating these two scholarships is sincerely appreciated by the School of Law. The two worthy inaugural recipients, Mamadou and Salma, will benefit greatly from them, receiving transformative support and encouragement to pursue legal careers in an increasingly diverse legal profession.”