Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance launches first edition of European Diversity Scholarship

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance launched its first edition of the Continental Europe Scholarship for Diverse Students, as part of its diversity and inclusion efforts in the region.

The Scholarship is specifically targeting university students with a diverse cultural or social economic background, in their final two years of law studies in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands,majoring in business law and interested in pursuing a career in an international business law firm. While not a requirement, the firm was particularly keen to hear from applicants who are first-generation university students.

Mustapha Mourahib (Managing Partner, Casablanca, and Chair of our Race Equality and Celebrating Heritage (REACH) network in Continental Europe) comments: "By creating this Scholarship, which is set to be repeated annually, potentially in more European countries, we are aiming to improve social mobility, increase accessibility and support diverse representation as well as address the employability gap in law. We are delighted to announce that Mimouna El Beghdadi Maaroufi (Spain), Heloise Tan (France) and Hicham Abarkan (the Netherlands) were awarded the first Scholarship for Diverse Students 2022. Each will receive an amount of Euro 10,000 to fund their studies and lay the foundations for a successful early career. A huge well done to the deserving winners!"

Angela Guinaudie (Regional Head of HR, Continental Europe) adds: "At Clifford Chance we understand that our true asset is our people. Across our global network we have a range of affinity groups promoting diversity in ethnicity, culture, race and heritage to reflect the people who make up our firm. We are committed to ensure that our workforce better represents Europe's social and economic diversity and to improve inclusion within the firm more generally. This is why this Scholarship is not just a one-off award, but aims to create a long-lasting link applicants - even if unsuccessful in the award - to build a diverse pipeline of talent who we can identify and work with in the future".

The next edition of the Continental Europe Scholarship for Diverse Students will open in autumn 2022.

Read more about Clifford Chance's diversity & inclusion initiatives .