Sonia McMahon Award 2026

Sonia McMahon was a Partner at Addleshaw Goddard (AG). Having trained at the Firm, Sonia was committed to AG and the law and was passionate about training and supporting people and their development. She embodied imagination and impact and was an inspiration to the colleagues and clients she worked with. Sonia passed away in 2011 and this award was established in her memory to further her ideals and help those studying law to achieve their aspirations and learn about AG.

ADDLESHAW GODDARD LLP IS ONCE AGAIN INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR A £5,000 BURSARY TO HELP MEET THE COST OF STUDYING LAW AT UNIVERSITY. IN ADDITION TO THE BURSARY THE CHOSEN TWO STUDENTS WILL ALSO BENEFIT FROM MENTORING AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERTAKE WORK EXPERIENCE AT THE FIRM WHILST AT UNIVERSITY.

You must be starting your first year of an undergraduate LLB degree at a UK university in the 2026/2027 academic year.

This award is designed to support young people from less privileged backgrounds. As such, students must meet the following criteria;

• Always attended a state school

And at least one of the following

• Grew up in a household where no parent or guardian attended University.
• Have been, or are currently, in local authority care.
• Previously received free school meals, Pupil Premium, Education Maintenance Allowance and/or 16 to 19 Bursary.
• Have been, or are currently a full-time or part-time carer.
• Came to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker.
• The occupation of the main household earner is categorised as a routine or manual occupation.
• Attended a state school or college with:

a) below average A-Level or Higher point score and/or

b) low rate of progression to higher education

In the application, you will be asked to disclose if you are due to receive any other bursaries or grants to aid with attending university and this will be considered in shortlisting. You will also be asked if you would like to be considered for other mentoring opportunities with AG.

The bursary will be split into three payments across the academic year:

• November 2026 (£2,500)
• January 2027 (£1,500)
• Upon completion of work experience week, likely summer 2027 (£1,000)

• Please register as a new user and submit your application by the deadline below.
• Each of the questions has a 2000 character limit as standard.
• Competition is high, so we would recommend taking care with your application. Please ensure you have proof read your answers before submitting.
• While you are able to use AI for your application, please remember we want to hear about you and be cautious with creating generic or inaccurate responses.

If you require adjustments or support completing the application form, please contact Sonia Kumar.

We are inviting applications from Monday 17th August and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline for submission is Friday 16th October.