Young talent continue to be backed through BLS diversity and inclusion scheme
Three talented young people are on the road to forging a successful career in law, thanks to the ongoing BLS scheme launched to improve diversity in the legal sector.
Higgs LLP and Gateley Legal, along with The University of Law and The College of Legal Practice, are supporting 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 Aaliyah Evodia Simms-Grinter, Gurpreet Chaggar and Furqaan Dad.
Aaliyah Evodia Simms-Grinter has secured a fully funded scholarship to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) 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.
Aaliyah Evodia Simms-Grinter, 24, recently completed her LLB at the University of Birmingham and is currently working as a Thematic Engagement Officer for the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
“Being selected for the Birmingham Law Society’s Diversity Inclusion Scheme is like a dream come true for me; it hasn’t sunk in yet! It is an incredible opportunity that I intend to use to the fullest. I was very apprehensive about applying, and my eventual selection shows that individuals should not self-exclude.
I’ve always had a passion for Law as far back as Secondary School. Despite the competitive nature of the industry making me disenfranchised at points, I’ve remained determined and completed my Law degree while working and volunteering.
Receiving this scholarship is both humbling and overwhelming. I feel deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity, and I am committed to working hard to honour the trust that has been placed in me. This chance will allow me to grow, learn, and give back to the community in ways I never imagined.
As an adopted, first-generation student, I cannot wait to build connections and pursue my dream career. Getting to this point has been difficult, but this scholarship will provide a springboard for me to build networks and gain an excellent education that would have been immensely more difficult and improbable otherwise.”
Aaliyah Evodia Simms-Grinter
Gurpreet Chaggar secured fully-funded scholarship to complete SQE1 and SQE2 preparation courses with The College of Legal Practice.
Gurpreet Chaggar, 22, studied his LLB Law at Aston University where he was President of Aston Law Society (2022-2023); Shortlisted for Outstanding Student Contribution of the Year (BLS Awards 2024) and is the current Junior Representative for Birmingham Solicitors' Group.
"I'm incredibly grateful to Birmingham Law Society and The College of Legal Practice for awarding me this scholarship. This support is a significant step towards achieving my career goals. Studying the SQE Courses at the College will allow me to focus on developing both my legal knowledge and skills, enabling me to pursue my career in law with greater confidence and competence. I hope that I am able to replicate the success of previous recipients and give back to the legal community that has given me so much in such a short amount of time."
Gurpreet Chaggar
Furqaan Dad has secured a vacation scheme placement and mentoring support at both Higgs LLP and Gateley Legal.
Furqaan, 21, studied Law at Coventry University.
“The Birmingham Law Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Scheme is an excellent opportunity for aspiring lawyers in Birmingham. It offers a valuable platform to gain legal experience, build confidence, and develop essential career skills.
While the interview process was initially challenging, the interviewers fostered a supportive environment that allowed me to share my experiences. I am proud to have been selected from a pool of strong candidates across the city.
I am eager to participate in this scheme and make the most of the learning opportunities, particularly through the vacation schemes at Higgs LLP and Gateley Legal. I am also thankful for the mentoring I will receive throughout the year, which will be instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of becoming a solicitor.”
Furqaan Dad
Birmingham Law Society’s Diversity Inclusion Scheme was first launched in 2020.
Sophie Wardell, People Director at award-winning firm Higgs LLP, said: “Higgs remain committed to inclusion and to helping people overcome the social and economic disparities they may face when seeking to pursue a career in law.
As a business we believe in providing opportunity to all and the DIS scheme is just one of many important initiatives which represents this intention. We hope by providing vacation scheme placements and first-class mentoring to the successful candidates they will go on to achieve their ambitions.
There were a number of strong applications this year and I look forward to watching each of them succeed in their careers.”
Claire Alderson, Early Careers Manager at Gateley Legal, said: “It’s been a privilege for Gateley Legal to support this incredible scheme and continue our commitment to helping those from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds to access the legal profession.
As a business we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and meeting these impressive individuals from all walks of life, who all showed a keen interest in pursuing a legal career, was a humbling experience.
All the candidates had unique strengths and I’m sure will go on to have long and fulfilling careers.”
Alice Kinder, Birmingham Law Society President and Chair of the Birmingham Law Society Social Mobility sub-committee said: “I am delighted that Birmingham Law Society has been able to run the Diversity and Inclusion Scheme for a fifth year. An individual’s background can have a significant impact on their ability to access and progress in the legal profession. Social mobility and equal opportunities has been a key focus during my Presidential Year and it is important that the Birmingham legal community works together to break down barriers. I would like to thanks Higgs LLP, Gateley Legal, the University of Law and the College of Legal Practice for their continued support with the scheme.”
Sarah Ramsey, Dean of The University of Law Birmingham Campus said: “The University of Law is delighted to continue to support this scheme for the 5th year running. Increasing diversity in the profession and providing opportunities to those who would otherwise face barriers is something that we are passionate about at the University of Law. The standard of applications was incredibly high this year, and all the shortlisted candidates should be congratulated. The winners have shown that they are truly outstanding individuals and we look forward to supporting Aaliyah on the next stage of her legal journey.”
Dr Giles Proctor, CEO of The College of Legal Practice added: “We are delighted to be part of this scheme for a further year, and congratulations to all the successful applicants. We are very pleased to be able to offer Gurpreet this unique opportunity to support his SQE preparation. Improving access to the profession runs through everything that we do at the College, and we look forward to supporting his journey to becoming a solicitor.”
