Last year we introduced our Law First Scholarship to recognise and reward exceptional academic talent in the field of law. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing postgraduate legal studies to help them excel during their time with us.
We spoke with the first recipients of the Law First Scholarship, Gema Camino and Evie Preston, students on our LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) Online, to find out how the Scholarship has impacted their studies.
Edited by Grant Longstaff. Published 27 July 2026.
Why did you choose to study law?
Gema: I knew I wanted to study law from a very young age. For me, it’s always been about supporting those who may not have a voice and increasing access to justice. Having worked in the charity sector for years I decided to finally work towards qualifying as a solicitor three years after graduating from my LLB.
Evie: I have always wanted to help people, so this was my driving force for studying law. I have been working as a paralegal whilst studying my LLM and this has only reassured me further than I made the right choice.
Why did you choose The University of Law?
Evie: I was applying for training contracts constantly and was getting no acceptances. My friend who studied her LPC with The University of Law convinced me to just go for it and apply. I’m so glad she did as I’ve been really pleased with how my LLM is going. The course programme is clear and, whilst it has been intense, it’s allowed me to make a detailed plan for the year ahead.
Gema: I chose The University of Law as they offered flexible study options and very high pass rates for the incredibly tough SQE exams and I don’t regret it. I have now passed SQE1 in the first quintile on my first attempt and continue to work towards SQE2.
Why did you apply for the Law First Scholarship?
Gema: I decided to apply as I knew qualifying was going to be a very difficult process mentally and financially, and I was hoping to ease the burden of it a bit.
Evie: Truthfully, I was very worried about funding the LLM alongside paying for the SQE exams. I was researching scholarships available at the University and found the Law First Scholarship. I thought I might as well go for it, and I am so glad I did. It has provided a massive relief and and allowed me to focus purely on the exams.
Tell us about your experience of the scholarship application process. How did you find it?
Evie: I initially felt quite worried about the process. However, the process was really simple and well explained. The initial application was easy to complete, and the assessment instructions were clear and helped ease my worries about it.
Gema: Applying was very straightforward. I had to do an online exam and then the University checked what scholarships I would be eligible for.
How did you feel when you found out you’d been awarded the scholarship?
Gema: I honestly never thought I would be offered the scholarship, and I had my doubts about even applying. I was so happy when I was told I received it as it eased a lot of my financial concerns. The scholarship meant my SQE exams would be covered.
Evie: I felt amazing and it provided so much relief. I was in the Seville Pottery Museum with my boyfriend when I found out and I couldn’t stop smiling.
What are your career ambitions? What motivates you to achieve them?
Evie: I want to become a solicitor. It’s fuelled by the same motivation I had to study law in the first place. I felt worried after I did my undergraduate degree about what I would do next but, starting the SQE at the University feels like the right choice for me and I’m so glad I did it.
Gema: I want to qualify as a family law solicitor. Having worked in the charity sector as a domestic abuse support worker for years, I feel like now is the time to move into the legal sector and provide legal advice to clients. I’m passionate about access to justice and giving a voice to those who do not have one.
How has receiving a scholarship helped your progress?
Gema: Thanks to the scholarship I’ve been able to work as a paralegal in a law firm while studying. This is incredibly helpful both for my studies and my qualification goals. I don’t think I would have been able to afford sitting the exams otherwise.
Evie: The scholarship has helped massively with my goal of becoming a solicitor. It means I have been able to use my student loan towards my SQE exams, and I was worried that it might not be possible. I’m already feeling the positive effects of this because I passed SQE1 on my first attempt.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for a scholarship at The University of Law?
Evie: Just go for it. You never know what might happen and, if it goes in your favour, the benefits are fantastic.
Gema: Please do. You may feel that it’s impossible for the University to select you from all the candidates, but this is just imposter syndrome. In the legal world we meet incredibly talented and smart people every day, and it’s easy to doubt yourself. I would say that one of the most important qualities a solicitor can have is confidence, to believe in yourself. Doing law is very challenging so try to make it as easy for yourself as possible.
Explore our full range of scholarships and bursaries and apply today.
