Dundee law student selected for Kirk Murdoch Scholarship

A law student at the University of Dundee has been named the second recipient of a scholarship in memory of a renowned Scottish lawyer.

The scholarship was launched in 2018 in memory of Murdoch. Picture: contributed.

Second-year student Emilia Gordon has been awarded the Kirk Murdoch Scholarship, which could lead to a traineeship with legal firm Pinsent Masons,

She will receive financial support, professional mentoring and a place on Pinsent Masons’ summer holiday programme, and on graduating she will have the opportunity of a training contract with the firm. Gordon said “This will have a huge impact, not just financially, but in securing a work placement, which is extremely competitive and hard to come by. It is an amazing opportunity to work with one of the country’s largest legal firms and I am determined to live up to Kirk Murdoch’s legacy.”

Recipient Emilia Gordon said she is determined to live up to Murdoch’s legacy. Picture: contributed.

The scholarship was launched in 2018 in memory of Murdoch, who when he died was chair of Scotland and Northern Ireland for Pinsent Masons. The firm’s Katharine Hardie, who now holds this role, said: “Throughout his career, Kirk championed many young lawyers in reaching their potential. His view was that hard work and determination will help you to succeed, but he also recognised that it was incumbent on those of us who had ‘made it’ in our chosen profession to help those starting their careers.

“Today’s graduates are tomorrow’s lawyers and law firm leaders. Legal firms should do all that they can to ensure that emerging talent and those now entering the profession are not disproportionally affected in the aftermath of Covid-19. Our support of the Kirk Murdoch Scholarship is just one way that we continue to support young lawyers in Scotland and it is a fitting tribute to a man who was a mentor to many.”

Demi Scorfield, the inaugural scholarship recipient, has just completed her first summer work placement with Pinsent Masons, which was arranged virtually due to Covid-19.

The University of Edinburgh law student said: “My first year on the Kirk Murdoch Scholarship has been invaluable. I have had the opportunity to complete trainee-like tasks, learn more about the different departments within the firm, develop my commercial awareness, and had the privilege of attending many workshops and social events hosted by the firm on Microsoft Teams. I am very thankful that the summer placement went ahead despite the pandemic, and I look forward to next year's summer placement with Pinsent Masons.”

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