The CILEX Foundation donates £123,000 in scholarships and bursaries
updated on 28 October 2025
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CILEX has awarded £123,000 in bursaries and scholarships this year as part of its CILEX Foundation scholarship programme, which supports those from under-represented and/or socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Seven students were awarded scholarships worth up to £13,200 each.
Meanwhile, nine students were also accepted onto the CILEX Professional Qualification and 30 existing students were given necessary financial support. Two additional students received ‘Launchpad to Law’ scholarship awards, which “provides initial academic funding to applicants who are yet to start or are in the early stages of their legal careers”. Upon completion of the programme, scholars will receive a CILEX Certificate in Legal Practice, access to legal networks, career advice and the opportunity to apply for further funding.
Since its launch in 2021, the CILEX Foundation has successfully supported more than 81 students with their studies, awarding more than £400,000. Recipient Anna Lebedynska, who’s currently a legal adviser and previously worked as a prosecutor in Ukraine prior to the war, said: “The CILEX scholarship allows me to continue to progress in a career that I am passionate about, studying while working full time to support myself and my son.
“The scholarship has given me the opportunity to qualify in the UK and sends an important message to the Ukrainian community here – even after experiencing displacement, with resilience and support, it is possible to rebuild and continue to pursue your professional dreams.”
Another recipient, Anieka Ali, is a full-time carer to two of her children who have health conditions. She explained: “For over a decade I was a full-time carer and had to put my career on hold. Study and work experience felt out of reach and the traditional route to a legal career was not going to be possible for me.
“The CILEX scholarship gives me the opportunity to continue in my role while studying to become a fully qualified CILEX Lawyer, progressing my career whilst building further legal expertise to help my charity deliver on its humanitarian goals.”
Chair of the CILEX Foundation board of trustees Ian Hunt highlighted: “CILEX has a long history of opening up legal careers to those traditionally underrepresented [...] We are proud that the Foundation is able to further remove barriers for promising future legal professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
