Media Release: Creating opportunities for Manitobans seeking careers in law
Manitoba Law Foundation grant to UM Faculty of Law worth $4.5 million
Manitobans looking to pursue careers in law at UM will now be able to access a new range of bursaries thanks to a generous grant of $4.5 million from the Manitoba Law Foundation.
As a result of the Manitoba Law Foundation’s investment, students from diverse backgrounds will have unprecedented access to bursaries that are designed to reduce – and potentially eliminate – the financial barriers to accessing legal education. These bursaries aim to provide students from a variety of backgrounds with critical support to enable them to focus on their studies and their future careers in the legal profession. Eligible students can apply for a bursary to cover up to full tuition costs in any year of study and could benefit from the bursary for up to three years, the length of their law degree.
“The grant made to the Faculty of Law was intended to support bursaries to reflect the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to advancing reconciliation and fostering a legal profession that is representative of the vibrant and diverse communities it serves,” said Erin Wilcott, Executive Director of the Manitoba Law Foundation.
Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law at UM, said the bursaries will go a long way to creating more opportunities for students who may be at a disadvantage due to work obligations and other competing priorities.
“The Faculty of Law is deeply honoured to receive this transformative grant from the Manitoba Law Foundation, supporting the creation and continuation of three vital bursaries” said Jochelson. “These funds help us work towards removing barriers that have historically made it more difficult for individuals from underrepresented communities to pursue legal education and careers. This is such an amazing opportunity for students, the law school and this province.”
Over time, these bursaries will help to build a legal profession that is representative of the diversity of Manitoba. All Manitobans, whether they reside in The Pas, Neepawa or Winnipeg, will have meaningful access to legal services and justice.