Legal News

#INTERVIEW Dentons introduces Diverse Excellence Scholarship in the Netherlands

Dentons embraces the power of diversity. By recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives are critical to business success. By recognizing that excellence has no gender, age or sexual orientation. By recognizing that excellence has no dominant ethnicity, religion or nationality. And by acknowledging that excellence comes in all shapes and sizes. For students specializing in Dutch law, Dentons in Amsterdam is introducing something new: the Dentons Diverse Excellence Scholarship.

INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD’S LARGEST LAW FIRM Denton’s Diverse Excellence Scholarship provides financial support for two students to do a master’s degree in law alongside the opportunity to obtain a traineeship at Dentons in Amsterdam. The scholarship will cover the expenses for a master’s degree to be pursued during the 2021/2022 academic year and the cost of books up to a total of € 3,200. The students will also take part in the firm’s mentoring scheme, pairing them with a partner and an associate to gain insight into life at the world’s largest law firm.

HELPING HAND Başak Küçük, associate in the Construction & Projects practice group (and part of the D&I team in Amsterdam): ‘Our focus lies on developing talent. This scholarship is intended to offer support to

Başak Küçük

Job

Age Associate in Construction & Projects practice group (and part of D&I team in Amsterdam) 33

Favourite spot in Zuidas Rooftop garden on the Vivaldi building, with a coffee from Doppio.

Current hot topic within the firm How we run video meetings.

Marien Glerum

Job Age Benelux managing Officer at Dentons 42

Favourite spot in Zuidas Coffee in the morning sunshine at Julia’s on the square.

Current hot topic within the firm Not surprisingly, how to shape social cohesion and our company culture now that we’re having less in-person contact – we miss each other!

talent and stems from the principle that a person’s future success should not be defined by their background and/or financial strength. It is a great opportunity for law students who are entering their Master’s studies to get a financial boost and a personal mentoring program. This is a perfect way to get a closer look at the legal profession and Dentons. I’m proud to be part of a firm where we truly practice what we preach.’

ENCOURAGING LAW STUDENTS FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS Key to Dentons’ success as the world’s largest law firm, is its ability to create an inclusive, forward-thinking and innovative workplace where individuals can thrive and be themselves. With this initiative, Dentons wants to encourage, motivate and attract talented law students from all backgrounds, inclusive of race, ethnicity, faith, religion or spiritual beliefs, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, abilities, social perspective and other characteristics. Marien Glerum, Benelux Managing officer at Dentons: ‘The Diverse Excellence Scholarship is part of our ambition as a firm to create a dynamic and inclusive workplace that’s welcoming to everyone and enhances our working environment. We hope to motivate and encourage law students all over the Netherlands, regardless of background, religious beliefs, gender and other factors, to get a closer look at international law firms like Dentons.’