University of Leicester Freeths Mukesh Patel Award for Law

The University of Leicester, in partnership with Freeths LLP, is proud to announce the Freeths Mukesh Patel Award for Law. This prestigious scholarship is designed to support talented second-year undergraduate law students who face financial or social barriers, while also providing invaluable career development opportunities in the legal profession.

The University of Leicester was founded in 1921 as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War. Beginning as a small college, it grew steadily and was granted full university status in 1957. Known for its strong commitment to research and innovation, Leicester gained international recognition for groundbreaking achievements such as the discovery of DNA fingerprinting. Today, it is a diverse and forward-thinking institution, welcoming students from around the world and offering a wide range of academic opportunities.

Table of Briefs

Background

Freeths LLP has a long-standing reputation in commercial law and a commitment to supporting young talent. To honour the legacy of Mukesh Patel, the firm has partnered with the University of Leicester to create this award. Its purpose is to reduce financial barriers and provide mentorship, work experience, and long-term career support to a deserving law student who demonstrates both academic potential and resilience in the face of challenges.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a second-year undergraduate Law student at the University of Leicester 2025/26 academic year.

• Be studying full-time, campus-based, and living in Leicester City.

• Pay home tuition fees.

• Have achieved at least three Bs at A-Level (or equivalent).

• Have been a UK resident for the past three years in either:

  • A low participation area in higher education POLAR 4, Quintile 1, or

  • A socio-economically deprived area IMD Decile 1–2.

• Have a household income of £40,000 or below verified by the Student Loans Company.

Desirable but not essential: An interest in commercial law. Applicants are encouraged to highlight this in their personal statement if relevant.

Benefits

• Award Value: £4,000 per year, for two years Years 2 and 3.

• Payment Schedule: Equal instalments paid in February of Year 2 and Year 3.

• Wraparound Support:

  • Mentoring by Freeths LLP staff in Years 2 and 3.

  • Paid summer placements in Years 2 and 3.

  • A potential paid graduate apprenticeship with Freeths LLP in Leicester subject to achieving a 2:1 or higher.

• Deferral Option: If the recipient takes a Study Abroad Year, benefits for Year 3 will be deferred until the final year of campus-based study.

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility – Ensure all criteria are met before applying.

2. Submit Application form – Applications must include:

   • A personal statement up to 350 words covering:

     • Impact of the award on your university journey.

     • Barriers faced and how you overcame them.

     • Ambitions at university and beyond.

     • Key achievements academic or personal.

     • Legal interests and areas of law you find most appealing.

3. Deadline – Applications close at 11:59 pm BST on Sunday, 6 October 2025.

4. Shortlisting – Based on eligibility, academic marks from Year 1, and personal statement.

5. Interviews – Up to three shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview on 12 November 2025 with a panel from Freeths LLP, the University of Leicester, and Leicester Law School.

6. Notification – Results will be announced by 18 November 2025.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 6 October 2025.

Conclusion

The Freeths Mukesh Patel Award for Law is not just a financial scholarship it’s a complete support system that connects you to mentoring, paid legal experience, and potential career opportunities with a respected national law firm. If you are a second-year law student at the University of Leicester who meets the eligibility criteria, this is a unique chance to gain both academic and professional advancement.

Apply Now