Funding Opportunities
Opening doors to opportunities you deserve
A&O Shearman has teamed up with FirstGens, offering six bursaries to eligible first-generation students starting university in 2026, studying law or aspiring to become lawyers.
What benefits and support does the bursary provide?
⚖️ Visit A&O Shearman’s London office. 🎤 Meet legal professionals at exclusive online events and hear what it’s like to work in law. 🤝 A dedicated person from A&O Shearman to provide advice on getting into law. 💼 Guaranteed interview for A&O Shearman's first year programme. Subject to meeting grade requirements. 🚀 Get personalised support from upReach to learn about the skills employers look for, develop your confidence and take steps towards your future career from the start of your degree. ⏰ Applications open: 3 August 2026. Applications close: 11 September 2026.
Could £15,000 help you make the most of university and explore a career in law?
You should have achieved either:
- AAB at A level (136 UCAS points), or an equivalent qualification; or
- the required upReach REALrating of AAB.
*Your REALrating considers your academic achievements in the context of factors that may have affected your grades. It can provide a fuller picture of your academic potential. You can check your REALrating online it takes around two minutes.
Other criteria:
- Identify as being from a low socio-economic background
- Be studying law or have ambitions to become a lawyer
- Be first generation to attend university and/or attended a non-selective state school. You’re considered first-generation if your parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a university degree. You can still be considered first-generation if your siblings or members of your extended family went to university.
- Starting your first year in September 2026
Not eligibile?
You can still join FirstGens. By becoming part of the FirstGens community, you can access practical guidance, other funding opportunities to help you complete your first year at university with confidence.
Join Membership Today: Click 'First Year Membership' webpage.
Application Support
Bursary Application Guide 📖
Understand the application process and what to expect.
Online Information Events 🎤
Hear more about the bursary opportunity and ask your questions. Upcoming events: Wednesday 19th August 7-8pm. Wednesday 2nd September 7-8pm.
Connect with first-generation Law Students 🤝
Connect with first-generation students starting law school in September.
Ready to take the next step?
Complete the FirstGens membership form to register your interest. Once you’ve registered, FirstGens will send you the information you need to access the A&O Shearman application, including the bursary application guide.
