A law firm has supported two college students with a total of $20,000 to pursue their legal studies overseas.

Emily Orchard was given $15,000 through the MJM Legal Education Scholarship, while Za’Khari Turner also received a $5,000 bursary.

The MJM scholarship is given to Bermudians or Permanent Resident’s Certificate holders who hope to join Bermuda’s legal community.

It is renewable for as many as four years, provided that recipients display satisfactory academic progress and meet other conditions.

Ms Orchard will be attending the University of Birmingham to pursue a Bachelor of Laws degree.

She said receiving the MJM Legal Education scholarship was a “great honour”.

Ms Orchard said: “As an individual with a passion for law and the intention to pursue law as a career here in Bermuda, receiving such an award is an incredible accomplishment.

“I am grateful to have MJM’s support and encouragement as their belief in me is an incentive to put my best foot forward.

“I am appreciative of MJM’s commitment to fostering young Bermudians to achieve expertise in the legal field.”

Ms Turner will continue her studies at De Montfort University in Leicester, England, in her pursuit of a Bachelor of Laws degree.

She said: “I am honoured to be the recipient of a MJM legal bursary.

“I look forward to returning to Bermuda to make a meaningful contribution to the legal profession and the wider community.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to MJM for their confidence in my potential and their investment in my future.”

Jeremy Leese, MJM’s director and head of the corporate and finance team, said it was “wonderful” to meet the students on the MJM scholarship shortlist.

He said: “Whilst all applicants had their merits, Emily impressed us most with her determination, manner, thoughtful approach in interview and impressive academic record.

“Za’Khari has a tremendous work ethic which shone through in interview and a mature and responsible demeanour, which marks her out as a student with a sharp focus on achieving her goals.”

Mr Leese added: “As a firm, MJM is delighted to continue to provide financial assistance to some of the brightest talent Bermuda has to offer, to enable them to further their studies, so that they may proceed to the next stage in their ambition to carve out a long and successful career in the practice of law.”