Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance announces winners of the third edition of its Scholarship for Diverse Students in Europe

Global law firm Clifford Chance is delighted to announce Anisha Kumar (Spain), Michael Esq (Luxembourg) and Anamaria Terreros Real (Spain) as the winners of the 2024 Scholarships for Diverse Students in Europe. They will each be granted €10,000 to support their studies and set the groundwork for a thriving start to their professional journey.

The objective of the scholarship, part of Clifford Chance's REACH (Race Equality And Celebrating Heritage) diversity and inclusion initiative, is to promote diversity, build a more inclusive future in Europe and help talented university students with varied cultural and social economic backgrounds succeed in their early careers.

Mustapha Mourahib, Clifford Chance's Office Managing Partner for Casablanca, and Chair of REACH CE, comments: "I am proud of both our REACH initiative and on this year's winners. Because diversity at Clifford Chance is a business imperative. Diverse teams can better understand the needs of our clients, and diverse and inclusive workplaces attract top talent. This is why it is so important to have initiatives like REACH and to celebrate these successes, both with our people and with our clients".

This year, in its third edition, the scholarship was open to students about to embark on the final two years of their law studies at a university in Spain, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Italy, who come from a diverse cultural or socio-economic background and have a positive academic record, specialising in business, commercial, finance and/or banking law. In total, 158 applications were reviewed.

Winner Anisha Kumar highlights that this scholarship will "certainly be the most important milestone" in her early career: "My single mother, who is a survivor of domestic violence, has fought tirelessly to ensure that my brother and I never lose our education. It is only with her support, a 100% scholarship from my university, a full-time job and a part-time job that I am able to complete my degree. A master's degree would be impossible to fund without the Clifford Chance Scholarship, which I need to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer."

In addition, Anamaria Terreros Real, another of the recipients of the scholarship, celebrates the importance of programmes like REACH because of the "vital role" they play in fuelling the legal sector's commitment to inclusion: "They serve as drivers of positive change by providing opportunities for people from different socio-economic backgrounds to pursue a career in law. By promoting diversity within their ranks, firms like Clifford Chance are better equipped to serve a diverse client base and navigate the complexities of an increasingly globalised legal landscape."

Winner Michael Esq adds: "Clifford Chance is a firm that stands above the rest in promoting diversity and inclusion in the global legal industry. Law is a universal language. Encouraging young lawyers from different jurisdictions therefore leads to greater understanding, collaboration and seamless legal solutions to international legal issues."

Jaime Velázquez, Office Managing Partner of Clifford Chance Spain, shares: "It is with great pleasure that we acknowledge the exceptional talents of Anisha Kumar and Anamaria Terreros Real, our Spanish scholars. Their determination and academic excellence embody the spirit of Clifford Chance's commitment to diversity and inclusion. We believe that a varied tapestry of backgrounds enriches our firm and enhances our ability to offer innovative solutions to our clients. The Clifford Chance Scholarship for Diverse Students in Europe is a cornerstone of our efforts to ensure that the legal profession is accessible to all, reflecting the diverse world in which we operate. Anisha and Anamaria's success is a clear indication that our initiatives are paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future in law."

Katia Gauzès, Managing Partner of Clifford Chance Luxembourg, comments: "We are immensely proud to celebrate the achievements of Michael Esq, alongside his fellow scholars Anisha Kumar and Anamaria Terreros Real. At Clifford Chance, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment where diverse talents are not only recognised but are also given the platform to thrive. Our scholarship programme is a testament to our dedication to inclusion, providing opportunities that transcend social and economic barriers. Michael's story is a beacon of inspiration, and it is our privilege to support his journey towards becoming a legal professional who will no doubt contribute to the richness of our firm's culture and the breadth of our global expertise."

The next edition of the Clifford Chance Scholarship for Diverse Students in Europe will open in autumn 2024.

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