Terence O’Malley DLA Piper Scholarship

University of Galway is delighted to partner with global law firm DLA Piper for the Terence O’Malley DLA Piper Scholarship. The scholarship, which is named after Terry O’Malley, Chairman Emeritus (US), will provide funding to support students in financial need studying at University of Galway School of Law.

The Scholarship will support the successful Scholar throughout their degree to a minimum value of €7,500. The Scholarship is open to applicants who have made a formal application through the Central Applications Office for a first year place on one of the full-time undergraduate designated programmes of study in University of Galway School of Law.

Criteria and How to Apply

The Scholar will preferably have a home address in Mayo but consideration will be given to applicants with a home address in the West of Ireland (to include all counties in Connacht plus counties Donegal and Clare). The scholarship is awarded on the financial need and academic merit of the successful applicants.

Students from the above counties will be invited to apply for this scholarship when they commence first year of one of the eligible courses listed above.

View the Terms and Conditions here: ‌‌DLA Piper Terms and Conditions

Terence O’Malley DLA Piper Bursary

In addition to the scholarship, a separate annual Terence O’Malley DLA Piper bursary will be awarded to the student achieving the highest grade in the School of Law, Law and Innovation module. The Scholar will be recognised at the University’s annual awards ceremony, Lá na nGradam.

Annual Lecture

As part of the partnership with DLA Piper, the School of Law will host an annual lecture for law students with Mr. O’Malley, who has family roots in the West of Ireland.

2023 Terence O'Malley DLA Piper Scholars

Hayley Toher | Law (BCL) and Business student from Co. Sligo

I've had the privilege of receiving the Terence O'Malley DLA Piper Scholarship to support my study of Law and Business at University of Galway. By easing financial strain, it has allowed me to focus on getting the most out of my course and striving to improve my academic performance, balanced with getting involved on campus and the renowned social aspect of studying in Galway. This scholarship provides a helping hand to students pursuing a legal degree, allowing them to focus on the challenges of their readings, assignments and exams and perform to the best of their ability.

Victoria Ralph | Law (BCL) and Business student from Co. Mayo

I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the prestigious Terrence O' Malley DLA Piper Scholarship at University of Galway School of Law. This scholarship award is not just financial support but a profound vote of confidence in my abilities and potential as a future legal professional. It lifts a significant financial burden that many people face and allows me to focus on my studies to attain the knowledge and skills needed to make an impact in the legal field. This scholarship has empowered me to continue pursuing my passion as it shows that my countless hours of studying have been recognised. I believe that a disadvantaged background should not hinder me from achieving my goals. I am forever grateful for this wonderful opportunity as it has helped me access my full potential. To know that someone has invested in me is an exhilarating feeling that has elevated my personal and professional aspirations. I am thankful to DLA Piper for their great generosity and investment in my future. I am eternally grateful, and I would recommend any Law students who are eligible to apply.

2022 Terence O'Malley DLA Piper Scholars

Abbie Duffy Glendon | Law (BCL) and Business Student from Co. Mayo

The Scholarship has been of immense benefit to me and has significantly impacted both my studies and life as a university student in a very positive manner. Studying Law (BCL) and Business at University of Galway has been an aspiration of mine for many years. Undertaking this course allows me to combine my deep interest in Law with both my aptitude and passion for Business. I am immensely proud to be a recipient of this scholarship and feel both grateful and privileged that DLA Piper can support me in reaching my career goals and aspirations for the future. In terms of my own career aspirations, I am determined to become a corporate lawyer with the intention of specialising in litigation. Being a recipient of this scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies and reduce the financial burden associated with attending third level education. This scholarship gives students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve their career aspirations in the legal profession alongside the support of DLA Piper. My studies have been thoroughly enjoyable, and I look forward to entering my second year and progressing with my legal studies.

Aileen Reidy | Law (BCL) student from Co. Clare

The Terence O’Malley DLA Piper Scholarship has significantly aided in my continued pursuance of Law at University of Galway. In choosing University of Galway to complete my undergraduate degree, I was confident in assuming I would gain an unrivalled academic experience to prepare me for my future in the legal world. The Terence O’Malley DLA Piper Scholarship is just one of numerous methods and initiatives aimed at encouraging and supporting students in progressing with their chosen degrees, ensuring that the financial burden associated with studying Law, is lessoned. This generous scholarship has afforded me the opportunity to pursue my academic endeavours with peace of mind, knowing I am under no financial stress. As a proud recipient, I am dedicated to striving for success and through DLA Piper’s continued support over the coming years, I hope to lead with example and assist in breaking down the barriers, associated with the financial strain of pursuing a law degree. Receiving this scholarship has been a remarkable achievement thus far in my path to qualifying as a solicitor and I am eternally grateful to DLA Piper and University of Galway in deeming me to be a worthy recipient.

2021 Terence O'Malley DLA Piper Scholars

Mircea Tabalae | Law (BCL) and Business student from Co. Galway

I’ve had the honour and privilege of being a recipient of the Terence O’Malley DLA Piper Scholarship throughout my Law and Business degree at University of Galway. This scholarship has helped me massively throughout my degree, by easing financial pressure and allowing me to focus on my course. I noticed this scholarship come in particularly helpful in my Erasmus exchange year in France. Thanks to the scholarship I was able to have a fantastic experience on my Erasmus exchange year, immersing myself fully in the French culture and lifestyle while easing financial burden. Coming from a Romanian, working class background, I have to say that this scholarship has had a massive impact on my time at University of Galway, allowing me to unlock my full potential. I am extremely grateful to DLA Piper for their generosity and support with this scholarship. I hope that many more bright minds will benefit from this scholarship in the coming years, and I will be sure to pass forward the same level of support as DLA Piper in my future endeavours in a legal career.

Annie Forde | Law, Criminology & Criminal Justice Student from Co. Sligo

The Terence O’Malley DLA Piper scholarship has had a profound impact on my studies thus far. Studying Law (BCL), Criminology and Criminal Justice at University of Galway has been a highly enjoyable experience and I am grateful that DLA Piper are able to support me in my academic endeavours. Being a recipient of this wonderful scholarship means that I can pursue my academics without having a massive financial burden. Being from a working-class background should not mean that you are locked out of undertaking certain careers and I am delighted that DLA Piper is supporting those who have an interest in the legal field. The study of law is an equally challenging and interesting career path of which I am excited to delve into in the coming years with DLA Piper’s support. This scholarship has had a positive impact on my life and I hope that in my future legal career that I can make a positive change in people’s lives. Once again, I am ever so thankful for the philanthropy and generosity of DLA piper.

2020 Terence O'Malley DLA Piper Scholars

Ava Cullinan | Law (BCL) Student from Co. Clare

The Terence O'Malley DLA Piper Scholarship has had a significant impact on my third level education and experience. It has allowed me to focus on attaining my degree in Law at University of Galway without any financial strain or burden. In this regard, the scholarship in partnership with DLA Piper plays a central role in breaking down the barriers associated with accessing the legal profession in Ireland. In terms of my professional aspirations, I hope to become a solicitor. Studying Law at University of Galway was one of the most important steps I took in accomplishing this goal. Having received this scholarship, the financial burden I carry throughout my journey to become a solicitor has greatly lessened. This scholarship will support many students as they pursue their studies in law. I am extremely proud to be a recipient of the Terence O'Malley DLA Piper Scholarship. I believe that a disadvantaged background should not hinder me from accessing my full potential, and it is in this regard that I cannot understate the importance and impact of the scholarship on both my personal and professional aspirations.

Emily Donnellan | Law, Criminology & Criminal Justice Student from Co. Galway

I've been fortunate enough to be one of the first recipients of the Terrence O'Malley DLA Piper Scholarship at University of Galway School of Law. It has been fantastic studying the Law (BCL), Criminology and Criminal Justice course at University of Galway so far and the scholarship has been a real help to me during my studies. I have always had a keen interest in English and History, and I feel that studying Law has been an exciting and challenging amalgam of the two disciplines. Going forward, I hope to represent and advocate for people in the Justice system and make a positive difference in my career. I am grateful for the opportunity and the sense of relief the scholarship has provided me with while I pursue my strong interest in the law. I would highly recommend eligible students studying Law at University of Galway to apply for the Terrence O'Malley DLA Piper Scholarship. It has been a great support to me, and I am thankful to DLA Piper for their great generosity and patronage in supporting students to pursue a career in Law.