Two Manx students have been awarded bursaries by law firm firm Appleby.

Lizzie Beard and Muhammed Hoosen will receive a two-year financial commitment from Appleby.

The Athol Street Douglas business claims their bursary scheme, launched in April 2018, is the island’s first and only such initiative, which supports students interested in pursuing a career in law.

The scheme offers two bursaries annually, with financial help either for undergraduates entering the final year of their law degree and then continuing towards the Legal Practice Course (LPC), or for non-law graduates studying the graduate diploma in law (GDL) and then the LPC.

Miss Beard is in her third year studying law at the University of Liverpool and will start the LPC in September before returning to the island to begin a career in law.

She said: ’I first became involved with Appleby through the Appleby Academy Scheme which I won in 2016. During a summer placement in 2019, I learnt more about the bursary scheme and decided to apply.

’Being awarded a bursary has helped me tremendously. The financial aid means that I do not feel pressured to secure a term-time job in Liverpool, allowing me to direct all my time to studying. I am so grateful.’

Muhammed Hoosen (Mo) studied law at the University of Leeds and went on to complete a masters in international business law in 2019. He is now studying the LPC in Liverpool.

Mr Hoosen said: ’I applied for the bursary scheme because it was really encouraging to see a firm in the island dedicated to investment in local talent.

’Appleby’s international reach and outlook particularly appeals to me. I would not have been able to do my LPC without the support of Appleby. I am excited about my future career with Appleby.’

Both candidates have secured training contracts with Appleby following their studies.

Managing partner of Appleby Isle of Man, Faye Moffett, said: ’We’re delighted to be welcoming two new students to Appleby through our bursary scheme. Investing in local talent is something we’re extremely passionate about as a firm and support through our various programmes.

’I’m confident Lizzie and Mo both have very bright futures ahead of them and wish them the best of luck with the rest of their studies.’