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The Ellen Temperton & Nikki Mallett scholarship scheme
Started in memory of two treasured colleagues, the Ellen & Nikki scholarship scheme supports social mobility by providing assistance to law students.
Both Ellen and Nikki were committed to supporting and helping others to progress in their careers. The scheme provides financial assistance, work experience opportunities and other support to those who will benefit from it the most. Since 2021, assistance has been provided to eighteen students.
What is the purpose of the scheme?
addThe scholarship scheme seeks to provide financial support to bright young people embarking on their university career. We recognise that the cost of higher education can be a deterrent for many and poses a barrier to social mobility. Through the scholarship scheme, we look to provide some financial assistance to those who will benefit from it the most.
Both Ellen and Nikki were committed to supporting and helping others to progress in their careers through the sharing of their personal knowledge and through encouraging learning opportunities for others wherever possible.
Who were Ellen and Nikki?
addEllen founded the firm’s now thriving Data & Privacy group and feedback from colleagues consistently revealed the lengths Ellen went to in encouraging and developing associates in their careers. Ellen was a dedicated mentor and champion of our firm values and culture, and one colleague told us “I’d never be where I am today without her.” Ellen was a strong believer that anyone can study law; as a child, when speaking to her school career’s adviser, Ellen told them she wanted to go to university and study law. She was told that it wasn’t a career for a woman, which of course made her even more determined to follow her dreams and prove the career advisor wrong.
Nikki was an inspirational corporate knowledge lawyer and an invaluable member of the Corporate team. Her intelligence and analytical mind meant she was a constant source of support to colleagues, from trainees to partners. Nikki was an enthusiastic and committed member of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee throughout her time at the firm and, in particular, was hugely passionate about the education element.
Ellen and Nikki’s commitment to knowledge and education is what inspired the focus of the scholarship scheme. We are grateful for the support and input from both Ellen and Nikki’s families in launching this scheme.
What does the scholarship scheme offer?
addSuccessful applicants will:
- Receive a financial award of £3,000 paid at in the first term of their first, second and third year at university to help with living expenses, purchase of course materials, society memberships or other expenses incurred
- Have the opportunity to undertake work experience at one of the firm’s offices, at a time convenient for both you and the firm
- Benefit from a mentoring programme with one of our lawyers to offer advice on a career in law as you start your career
Eligibility & the application process
To apply you must:
- Be a sixth-form student at a UK state (non-fee paying) school or sixth form college
- Be applying to study law (or a law-related) degree at a university in the UK from September 2026
- Be passionate about pursuing a career in law
- Not have been convicted of a criminal offence
In addition, at least one of the following must apply to you:
- You are eligible for free school meals, even if you do not claim them (or, where you attend a college, you would be eligible for free school meals if you attended a school)
- You attend a school where at least 25% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (or, where you attend a college, immediately prior to attending that college you attended a school where at least 25% of pupils are eligible for free school meals)
- You will be in the first generation of your family to go to university
- You have refugee status or are seeking asylum
- You have been in local authority care
- You have been responsible for the long-term care of a sick or disabled family member