Aspiring litigator, Madeleine Fox has been awarded a prestigious scholarship by law firm Conyers Dill & Pearman after being accepted to read law at Oxford University.

Ms Fox already holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and is passionate about criminal rights and social justice — she will be attending Oxford University (Lincoln College) after interning at Conyers.

The legal scholarship is given annually to a Bermudian who is currently enrolled in a law degree course, leading to a Commonwealth legal qualification and subsequent admission to the Bermuda Bar.

“For me, receiving this scholarship is an incredible honour. Being recognised by such a prestigious firm and such high-performing lawyers confirms to me that all of the hard work I have put into my academics has been worth the long hours and dedication,” she said.

“I used to think that I was definitely going to be a criminal defence lawyer, however interning at various firms that specialise in other legal concentrations has made me less sure. I know that I definitely want to be a litigator, but I want to remain open to experiencing different concentrations during my legal education.”

Ms Fox hopes to return to Bermuda to work in the future as she said she “feels a sense of obligation to contribute to the place that has given me so many opportunities.”

During her short internship at Conyers Dill & Pearman her mentors, Kent Smith and Mary Ward have ensured that she has been getting a lot of exposure to Corporate and insurance-related law here in Bermuda.

“I have been researching the basics of and recent developments in Corporate law, re-drafting memos, sitting in on meetings and have also been given the chance to spend some time at Codan Management Ltd,” Ms Fox added.

“The experience is practical, relevant and very valuable, and I would encourage any aspiring lawyers in Bermuda to check out the programme.”

The law firm has offered scholarships and bursaries for over 30 years, giving more than $100,000 annually. Since the inception of the awards the Firm has given more than $2.5 million in awards.

David Astwood, the chairman of the Conyers’ Scholarship Committee and a director in the corporate department, said: “Madeleine was an outstanding candidate for the scholarship.

“I think that whatever type of law she chooses to practice she will be extremely successful and if she chooses to come back to Bermuda she will be an outstanding addition to the Bermuda Bar.”