What is the LEGAL PROFESSION SUPPORT PACKAGE?

In early June 2020, The College of Law announced a support package for the legal profession with a total value of AU $3M. The package offers scholarships enabling successful applicants to attain a qualification in a range of program areas and is designed to support professionals in the legal services industry who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences.

“We at the College have been thinking for some time how we can best support the profession during this difficult time. We know that many firms and practices have seen a decline in business and that many legal professionals have lost their jobs. The College exists to support lawyers into and through their careers and we therefore have enormous sympathy for our colleagues who are coming to grips with challenges like these.

Judging by the applications we have received, there have been many in the profession who have been negatively affected by COVID-19 to some extent or another. The conversations we have had with applicants show how the pandemic has had an impact on the lives of legal professionals across Australia and New Zealand. We are immensely pleased to think we can provide this kind of support at this time.”

PACKAGE COMPONENTS

The support package provided funding for scholarships enabling study towards a Graduate Certificate in Applied Law, A Graduate Certificate in Legal Business/Legal Operations or a Master of Laws (Applied Law) (New Zealand).

ELIGIBILITY

There were three criteria for the award of a scholarship being a demonstrated direct impact of COVID-19 on career, commitment to career development and a positive benefit for profession and community.

RESPONSE TO THE PACKAGE

The response to the package by the profession has been very positive and we have now awarded scholarships in both Australia and New Zealand.

Some of the comments from recipients are below:

“I must also again thank COL for this opportunity, it has given me hope and excitement for my desired legal career path.”

“I’m very appreciative and grateful to the College for making these opportunities available. Such a great give back in this time.”

“Your generosity has not only enabled me to continue my education; it has also, in many respects, given me the inspiration and steadfast determination to chase after my dreams and to persevere in these trying times – unshaken by hardships, undaunted by failures and undeterred by adversities.”

“Thank you for the opportunity of studying with the College of Law under a scholarship which is going to be such a help to me to obtain a further qualification and hopefully promote my skillset in the market.”