UCD student wins top bursary from corporate law giant Matheson
19 August 2025
Michael Jackson, managing partner of Matheson, Tara Grattan and Nicola White, Matheson learning and development director Credit: Matheson
Legal giant Matheson has named UCD law student Tara Grattan winner of the 2025 Tim Scanlon corporate law bursary.
A third-year at UCD Sutherland School of Law, Ms Grattan was awarded this year’s prize for her “insightful and well-researched” essay on how Brexit has impacted on Ireland’s corporate regulatory landscape.
Delivered as part of Matheson’s impactful business programme, the annual bursary honours the memory of the firm’s late partner Tim Scanlon.
“Winning this scholarship in honour of Tim Scanlon has been genuinely transformative for me,” said Ms Grattan.
“At such a pivotal stage in my legal journey, it has not only opened doors but also renewed my confidence in what’s possible.
“It speaks volumes about Matheson, not just as a law firm, but as a place that meaningfully supports and invests in the next generation, and I am incredibly grateful.”
Alongside a €5,000 bursary, Ms Grattan has secured a place on Matheson’s summer internship programme, and, in appreciation of Tim Scanlon’s love for the arts, a piece of art by Irish artist Niamh Flanagan.
Praising her essay, Michael Jackson, managing partner of Matheson, said the UCD student was a “a worthy winner of this year’s Tim Scanlon corporate law bursary.”
“We are proud to honour Tim’s legacy, through this annual scholarship, which challenges students to express their innovative thinking by applying critical analysis to their legal and academic knowledge.
“At Matheson, we recognise the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for future talent and supporting that talent in achieving its potential.”
Nicola White, learning and development director at Matheson, added the firm had been delighted to see so many entries submitted for this year’s award as it showed the “continued high quality of talented students studying law.”
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
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