The Law Society opened its applications process for up to £100,000 in bursaries for would-be solicitors who are suffering financial hardship this week.

The grants will assist students who have confirmed places on the legal practice course (LPC) or the common professional examination, by contributing to their course fees.


The total amount of the bursaries in recent years has ranged from £60,000 to £100,000. Last year, awards were made to 13 students.


Some 200 applicants normally apply for the award, which is given to students who have encountered serious financial problems, for example as a result of combining their studies with bringing up a family.


Applicants can apply for the grants via the Law Society's Web site, and those who are shortlisted will then be interviewed by the Society's bursary sub-committee. The funds come from the Law Society trust fund.


Applicants are assessed on their ability, their commitment to becoming a solicitor, and their financial hardship. This year applicants will be asked to complete a written exercise on whether identity cards are 'a social necessity or a hindrance to liberty.'


The Law Society is also accepting applications for the Henry Malcolm Hubbard Scholarship for trainee and newly qualified solicitors. The award is for applicants who plan to study law and legal procedures in France, Spain or Canada.


The application process for the Law Society's diversity access scheme, which provides funding to students who have overcome obstacles such as illness, disability or difficult family circumstances, will begin in the spring.


Last year,12 students qualified for the scheme, which was backed by training providers BPP and the College of Law. They received either a free LPC place or a grant for another legal course.


For application forms for the bursaries, see the Law Society's Web site: www.lawsociety.org.uk.