Interested in Criminology? New scholarship at Kildare university

A new undergraduate scholarship for law students has been launched at Maynooth University in Co Kildare, supported by Dublin-based firm Tracey Solicitors LLP.

The Tracey Solicitors LLP Scholarship in Law and Criminology will begin in October 2025 and is open to final-year law students registered with the Maynooth University Access Programme (MAP). The award will provide both financial support and mentorship to assist a student in completing their studies and preparing for a career in law.

Professor Fergus Ryan, Head of the School of Law and Criminology, welcomed the initiative, saying this is a wonderful opportunity for a final year law student and the school is very grateful to Tracey Solicitors for their support. Combining financial support with industry mentorship will be of significant benefit to the scholarship student, particularly as they progress through their final year studies and towards graduation.

Tracey Solicitors LLP, an award-winning personal injury and medical negligence practice, has been operating in Dublin for more than 35 years. Partner Maria Lakes, who herself qualified in law through an Access Programme, will act as mentor for the scholarship recipient.

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Speaking about the partnership, Maria Lakes said the initiative highlights the importance of broadening access to the legal profession. Given that 70% of young legal professionals currently come from affluent socio-economic backgrounds, it is clear that the profession would be enriched by more diversity. Pathways such as MAP make a legal career more accessible to people from a broader range of backgrounds. Access programmes levelled the playing field for her and made her career possible. Tracey Solicitors LLP is honoured to support an Access student at Maynooth University and help them on their path to a career in law.