The “Sciences Po – Linklaters for diversity” award, which was launched in 2010, was awarded this year to Antonin Péchard, first-year Masters student in Legal and Judicial Careers at the Faculty of Law of Sciences Po.
This award, which rewards academic achievement whilst taking diversity into account, aims to support a first-year student completing one of two Masters programmes at the Faculty of Law in the financing of his or her studies.
Antonin Péchard, 21 years old and a first-year Masters student in Legal and Judicial Careers at the Faculty of Law of Sciences Po, was chosen to receive the award on 24 October 2011. He will benefit from a grant of 24 000 Euros over two years and from the mentoring of a Linklaters lawyer during this period. He will also be able to complete an internship at the firm.
Other candidates were offered the opportunity of an internship at the firm.
The jury was composed of three representatives from Linklaters: Thierry Riguet, Partner, Julien Wagmann, Associate, and Dominique Nouzille, Human Resources Manager, as well as two representatives from the Faculty of Law of Sciences Po: Horatia Muir-Watt, Professor of the Universities, and Anne-Solenne de Roux, Head of Teaching.
Shared commitment
Sciences Po is recognised for its programme of concrete action dedicated to promoting diversity among students. Linklaters is, for its part, committed to a pro-active policy regarding diversity that the signing of the Charte de la Diversité (Diversity Charter) in August 2010 helped to structure. The firm takes tangible action to promote diversity, notably through its partnerships with the Réseau Étincelle and the Frateli Association in the context of its project “Careers in Law”.
For Françoise Maigrot, the partner in charge of diversity at Linklaters: “As a signatory of the Charte de la Diversité, it is essential to make our commitment a reality. This award is one of the concrete measures adopted to that end.”
In the words of Thierry Riguet, the partner in charge of Human Resources: “In order to find the best talent, it is vital to give opportunities to students with strong potential”.
Mrs Muir-Watt, Professor of the Universities, adds: “In my view, this award strengthens the commitment of Sciences Po and its Faculty of Law to diversity and social justice.”
The result of a long-standing relationship
Linklaters and the Faculty of Law of Sciences Po have developed a privileged relationship through the presence of numerous alumni of Sciences Po in the firm. The firm was very actively involved in the committee which presided over the creation of the Faculty of Law of Sciences Po, working alongside Richard Descoings, Director of Sciences Po and Christophe Jamin, Director of the Faculty of Law of Sciences Po. Richard Descoings also led a conference organised by Linklaters on the topic “Diversity: ardent obligation or competitive advantage?” in 2011.
Press contacts
Sciences Po: Caroline Allain: (+33) 1 45 49 50 79 – caroline.allain@sciences-po.fr
Linklaters: Solène Guesdon: (+33) 1 56 43 59 69 – solene.guesdon@linklaters.com
