Thu Nguyen was awarded the prestigious Wilfred Watson Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship awarded by Gray’s Inn.
We are delighted to announce that our Law alumna, Thu Nguyen (who graduated in 2024), was awarded the prestigious Wilfred Watson Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship awarded by Gray’s Inn. It is worth noting that Gray’s Inn awards the fewest number of students among the four Inns of Courts. But if awarded the scholarship can make a substantial contribution towards the fees of the Bar course, which is the vocational training component to qualify to practise as a barrister. Thu receiving this award is not only a testament to her intellectual calibre, but also her tenacity and resilience.
Candidates go through rigorous assessment, including a gruelling interview for those shortlisted. The candidates are expected to deliver a three-minute advocacy answer to a legal question without consulting any external resources, with the question being provided only twenty minutes before the interview. Candidates also go through competency-based questions by a panel simulating judicial intervention in court. Thu shone through all these stages of assessment, emerging victorious with an award that is near the maximum amount the scholarship is capable of giving.
Hailing from a humble background from Vietnam, Thu faced tremendous setbacks, relating both to her financial circumstances and her mental health. Overcoming all these challenges Thu stands strong and powers ahead into a career as a barrister.
Sharing this news, Thu said: “Winning the Wilfred Watson Scholarship for the Bar Course affirms the value of tenacity and the support of friends and family who never gave up on me. The scholarship has affirmed Gray’s Inn’s belief in me and has fuelled my self-belief in moments of weakness.”
Thu’s goal is to become a commercial barrister with a thriving pro bono practice, pursuing the dual passions in her life.
Speaking of Thu’s success, her Director of Studies, Dr Poorna Mysoor said: “From day one I had seen that spark in Thu. The award is a true recognition of Thu’s hard work, intellectual curiosity, and an undying thirst for learning.”