The scholarship is open to second-year undergraduate law students at TCD who are either on the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) or Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) schemes, mature students, or students who face barriers in participating in third-level education.

As winner of the scholarship, Mr Brennan will receive a bursary of €5,000 for each remaining academic year of his undergraduate degree, a place on Matheson’s internship programme, an assigned mentor from Matheson to provide support during his university journey, and access to the firm’s library and online learning programme.

Tara Doyle, partner and head of asset management at Matheson, said: “On behalf of Matheson, I would like to congratulate Niall on his achievement. This scholarship, which is part of Matheson’s Diversity and Inclusion Commitment, was established in memory of our late partner, and Trinity graduate, Cara O’Hagan.

“We believe that initiatives such as this, which support students who face barriers in participating in third level legal education, are an important way of ensuring greater accessibility to careers in law and a more diverse and inclusive profession.

“We look forward to welcoming Niall to the Matheson team when he joins us for his internship and supporting him during his continued studies.”

Mr Brennan said: “I am delighted to be awarded this year’s D&I Scholarship by Matheson and TCD. I believe that I will greatly benefit from each element of the scholarship and I sincerely thank Matheson and Trinity College for this unique opportunity.

“I look forward to joining the Matheson team as part of my internship and continuing with my legal studies with the support of the firm.”

Mark Bell, head of Trinity School of Law, said: “The Law School at Trinity College is very grateful to Matheson for their generous sponsorship of this scholarship. The Law School is committed to expanding opportunities for access to legal education and to widening participation for all.

“This scholarship is a wonderful initiative that aids students in making the transition from studying law to working in the legal profession.”