Megan Gough has been awarded the Jules Thorn Scholarship from Middle Temple – one of only four special institutions called Inns of Court that aspiring barristers must join.
Megan, 21, from Formby, is believed to be the first Edge Hill student ever to receive the scholarship.
Middle Temple’s scholarships are aimed at encouraging the most talented students, regardless of background.
Megan said: “The scholarship has removed the financial barriers to pursuing a career at the Bar, while providing me with a ‘seal of approval’ from the inn of my potential within the field. This is something I never thought I would be able to achieve – thinking that opportunities such as these aren’t for “normal” people like me.
“My time at Edge Hill has without a doubt enabled me to succeed in obtaining a scholarship. I would not have been able to obtain a scholarship without the opportunities and support I have received from the university.
“I am unbelievably proud to have come from Edge Hill University and be able to represent them in such a way, and although I am now due to graduate I know that I will remain very closely connected to the school.”
In a highly competitive process, all candidates for scholarships are interviewed by a panel of three senior members of the Inn.
The institution’s rules state: “Scholarships are awarded on merit after taking into account the candidates’ intellectual ability, motivation to succeed at the Bar, advocacy potential and personal qualities.”
The University’s careers advisor, Emma Bonati, and Edge Hill alumna, Lucy Moran, a scholar from Inner Temple, played a vital role in guiding Megan through the application process, ensuring a strong application that addressed the core criteria.
Recognising the importance of interview preparation, Megan participated in mock interviews with Lucy, honing her skills and building confidence before the real interview in May.
The scholarship allows Megan to focus on her Bar Course studies commencing this September. Upon completion, she will embark on the pupillage application process, a crucial step towards becoming a practicing barrister.
Megan’s good news didn’t stop there. She was also awarded the prestigious Senior Scholar title from The University of Law’s Liverpool Campus. This role involves leading the daily operations of the campus’s Advocacy Committee.
Associate Head of the School of Law, Criminology and Policing, Dr Jennifer Giblin said: “Megan’s journey to success is a testament to both her hard work and dedication, as well as the exceptional support she received from the University.
“We are incredibly proud of her achievements; she has been, and will continue to be, an excellent ambassador for Edge Hill and she has already indicated her willingness to give back and support future students looking to navigate the scholarship journey.”
Find out more about studying law at Edge Hill University: edgehill.ac.uk/course/law/
May 28, 2024