Established in memory of the late Lord Kerr of Tonaghmore, an alumnus of the university and former lord chief justice of Northern Ireland, the scholarship supports aspiring barristers in their pursuit of a career at the Bar of Northern Ireland through an award to cover fees at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies.

Mr Curran is not only the first person in his family to pursue a career in law, but also the first to go to university.

He has been driven by his awareness of rights-based justice and has plans to use his position to help other disadvantaged students break barriers to enter the legal profession.

Helen Carrick, assistant director for philanthropy at Queen’s, said: “The Lord Kerr Scholarship continues to support the next generation of legal minds to reach their full potential. It is a particularly impactful scholarship which helps set graduates on their way to a career in law.

“The scholarship is a lasting legacy to Lord Kerr’s vision of a more diverse Bar and is a testament to the impact that philanthropic support can have in transforming lives and strengthening the future of the legal profession.

“We are proud to play a role in fostering talent and ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of ambition.”

Mr Curran said: “It is a great honour to have been selected as the recipient of the Lord Kerr Bar Scholarship for this academic year.

“The scholarship means a great deal to me personally, and to my family, in aiding me begin my career at the Bar.

“I am very thankful for the opportunity to carry on the legacy of Lord Kerr, who was deeply committed to Queen’s and the Bar of Northern Ireland.”