London firm Mishcon de Reya has launched a memorial fund for a ‘talented and well-loved’ young associate who died earlier this year.
Agatha Hunt collapsed and died in May. She was 29. She joined Mishcon as a trainee in 2022. Admitted to the roll in 2024, Hunt became an associate in Mishcon’s reputation protection and crisis management team.
The Agatha Hunt Bursary Fund, in partnership with the University of Sheffield Law School where Hunt studied and remained actively involved after graduation, and the Agatha Hunt Award for Outstanding Contribution to Responsible Business were both developed in consultation with Hunt’s family.
Both schemes aim to create opportunities for future generations of law students and junior lawyers to make a difference in their communities.
To establish the fund, which will provide support for law students including pro bono bursaries, mooting competition sponsorship and academic prizes, the firm has committed £50,000 over the next six years to ‘kickstart a broader fundraising programme involving colleagues, trainees and members of Agatha’s family and her friends’.
The award will recognise colleagues who demonstrate an ‘exceptional commitment’ to mentoring, volunteering and pro bono service. Qualities that, Mishcon said, ‘defined Agatha’s contribution to the firm and wider society’.
Introduced as part of Mishcon’s annual Responsible Business Awards programme, the inaugural Agatha Hunt award was presented posthumously to Hunt. Future recipients will receive a physical award and the opportunity to nominate a charity to receive a £500 donation.
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Emma Woollcott, partner and head of Mishcon’s reputation and crisis management team, said: ‘Agatha placed the highest value on generosity of spirit. She was always the first to volunteer to support others and to collaborate on initiatives which benefited our clients and our community.
‘She understood the privilege of being a lawyer and used her skills and experience to help others to access their rights and to fulfil their potential. I am extremely proud that we are honouring her life in this way and continuing her legacy of empowerment and commitment to public service.’
At the time of Hunt’s death, Woollcott said Hunt was ‘an extremely talented young lawyer, just at the beginning of what would have been a hugely successful and impactful career’.
She added: ‘We were very lucky to have worked with her. As our colleague and friend, she brought a warmth and energy to every situation and was a joy to spend time with.’
Hunt provided pro bono advice to litigants in person through the Royal Courts of Justice Advice Centre; volunteered with SPITE, supporting those affected by image-based abuse; mentored students through GROW Mentoring and the Sutton Trust and supported asylum seekers through Speak Street, helping individuals develop English language skills and confidence.
Hunt also supported pro bono matters; took part in the London Legal Walk, the Centrepoint Sleep Out and volunteered in support of Brain Tumour Research. She also led fundraising efforts for Arts for All and supported inclusion initiatives across Mishcon.
Hunt’s family said: ‘Agatha loved being a student at the University of Sheffield and considered it a privilege to pursue her dream law career at Mishcon de Reya. We are immensely proud of Agatha, who approached everything with passion, dedication, kindness and an unwavering determination to do the right thing. Agatha gave her time, energy and heart to so many people and we know how much joy she found in making a positive difference.
‘We hope this award and fund will inspire others to continue the same sense of purpose and care for others that defined Agatha's life. Whilst nothing can fill the void left in our lives, knowing Agatha's name will live on is a great comfort to us.'
The fund will officially launch later this year. A JustGiving page has also been set up to raise money.
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