BEIJING, March 12 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- For the second year running, Allen & Overy awarded grants to more than 86 law students at Peking University, Tsinghua University, The University of International Economics and Trade and China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing, as well as Fudan University and East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai through its Scholarship Grant Programme.
This pro bono scholarship programme was designed to encourage Chinese law students to apply their legal knowledge, to think beyond the boundaries of commercial legal practice and to tackle social problems by conducting research and field projects that benefit the broader community in areas such as corporate responsibility, legal aid, legal reform and legislative advocacy.
More than 200 law students applied for this year's programme while 86 shared in grants to fund their projects. 10 Allen & Overy lawyers and staff were appointed as mentors to provide guidance for the students' field work during their summer vacation.
The students conducted research and case studies on subjects such as problems facing special education schools, domestic violence in rural areas, urban storm water pollution, issues involving the migrant population in the Pearl River Delta area, repayment of housing loans in earthquake areas, and an investigation of obstacle-free facilities for disabled people in Shanghai. Each student was awarded a certificate of achievement for their work, in addition to the grant, which they received prior to commencing their projects.
Allen & Overy consultant Thomas E. Jones, one of the main supporters of the programme, said: "One must have experienced the impact of social inequality before he or she can apply the law with skill and passion, and through this programme, students will use their legal knowledge to solve the most pressing needs of social reality."
About Allen & Overy's pro bono programs
In Greater China, Allen & Overy continues to give back to the community through many of the programmes it supports. On the education front, it is one of the sponsors of The Wall Street Journal Asia Excellence in Law Initiative where more than 1,500 law students at Hong Kong University, City University and Chinese University of Hong Kong benefit from receiving free copies of The Wall Street Journal as well as legal know-how through workshops, lectures and quizzes, adding real world context to their university curriculum so the students are better prepared for the challenges to come in the future.
It is also the proud winner of Pro Bono Team of the Year Asia award 2010 given by leading independent publisher, International Financial Law Review (IFLR). The pan-Asian award reflects the personal time, commitment and dedication of all the staff across Asia to pro bono and volunteering work.
Notes for Editors:
1. Allen & Overy is an international legal practice with approximately
5,000 staff, including some 450 partners, working in 34 major centres
worldwide.
2. In this press release 'Allen & Overy' means Allen & Overy LLP and/or
its affiliated undertakings.
3. The term 'partner' is used to refer to a member of Allen & Overy LLP
or to an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and
qualifications or to an individual with equivalent status in one of
Allen & Overy LLP's affiliated undertakings.
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For further information, please contact:
Sharon Fung
sharon.fung@allenovery.com
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