DLA Piper’s Global Scholarships Programme appoints new global co-chair

DLA Piper has announced the appointment of a new Global Co-chair for its Global Scholarships Programme (GSP). Corporate Partner, Jon Hayes, who has also recently been appointed as Senior Partner, will take on the new role on the GSP board, replacing former Senior Partner, Andrew Darwin, who has been instrumental in the transformation of the GSP since its launch in 2017.

Additionally, Legal Director, Gemma Lawrence will also be joining the board, taking on a role in the finance committee. The board is responsible for the oversight of the GSP including the budgeting, recruitment and evaluation of the programme.

DLA Piper’s Global Scholarships Programme works to support outstanding law students in developing countries in reaching their potential and to contribute to the rule of law in their communities. Since its conception the programme has sponsored up to 35 students annually, based throughout Africa, South and West Asia, the South Pacific and Latin America. Over the bespoke two-year programme, students have their full tuition paid and receive mentoring, internships, training and career preparation designed to develop their skills, confidence and networks.

Corporate Partner and Global co-chair of the GSP, Jon Hayes commented: “The GSP is part of both the firm’s and my own personal commitment to investing in the future of the countries from which our wonderfully talented Fellows are recruited. Our firm, Saïd Business School, and a number of our clients, all of which are involved in the programme, recognise the talents and potential of our student Fellows and the importance of supporting the GSP. I am delighted to have this opportunity to work with the board as we focus on promoting and strengthening the GSP for the benefit of all our current and future Fellows.”

Clem Johnson, Head of Social Impact added: “Our Global Scholarships Programme is a cornerstone initiative for the firm, it embodies our values and compliments our strategy to work in a truly global way. Nurturing future lawyers and leaders allows us to contribute to increased access to justice and help embed the rule of law in less developed regions. Good governance is fundamental to the Programme’s on-going success and we are delighted to have Jon and Gemma join the Board, which consists of an exceptional group of people who thoughtfully steward the programme.”

February 2022 also saw the first in-person GSP Leadership Course since the pandemic, for which 19 Fellows from around the world attended a series of training sessions hosted in DLA Piper’s London office and at the Saïd Business School (part of the University of Oxford) as. More information about the GSP can be found in the video below.