.svg)
Congratulations to Tolu Ayeni, one of our two solicitor apprentices, who won the Pay It Forward Award at the City Century Awards on 30 September.
Spearheaded by the City of London Law Society, the City Century initiative brings together over 50 leading City firms to promote solicitor apprenticeships to aspiring lawyers from all backgrounds. Their annual awards aim to highlight outstanding solicitor apprentices who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and community impact, as well as law firms championing alternative pathways into law.
The Pay It Forward Award - which recognises individuals who go above and beyond to support others—is testament to Tolu's incredible work at Schillings, as well as her continued efforts outside of work to support fellow apprentices and champion diversity in the legal profession. Tolu is also treasurer of the Black Law Network, a student-led network which aims to increase visibility, access, and representation across all legal pathways.
Tolu Ayeni joined Schillings in September 2024, alongside fellow apprentice Rene Kent, in a new apprentice scheme focused on improving access to the legal profession. The apprenticeship route enables them to obtain legal qualifications and qualify as solicitors with no student debt, whilst gaining valuable experience as legal apprentices alongside their study.
We are incredibly proud of Tolu's achievement and look forward to seeing her continued impact in the firm, and the wider legal profession.
