Pegasus scholars welcomed at Parliament House

YOUNG lawyers from New Zealand, the USA, and Australia toured Parliament House this week as part of their experience as Pegasus scholars.

The Pegasus scholarship scheme was founded in 1987 by Lord Goff of Chieveley to build bridges between countries operating the common law system and is supported by the four Inns of Court in London.

The Pegasus Trust has incoming and outgoing scholarships, and, in Lord Goff’s words, “makes it possible for gifted young lawyers – the future leaders of their professions – to learn about the practical working of the common law system in countries other than their own, and to form enduring links with lawyers in those countries.”

Based in London, Pegasus scholars visit the Faculty of Advocates and the High Court in Belfast. They were given a tour of the Advocates Library by Michael Upton and Deputy Clerk of Faculty Lesley Irvine took them into the courts.

“The Pegasus Scholarship is a wonderful programme for junior lawyers from around the world to gain experience of other common law jurisdictions,” said Taz Haradasa from New Zealand. “It also provides a great opportunity to meet other junior lawyers from different countries. As part of the scholarship we had a wonderful day hosted by the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh. I particularly liked visiting the library – it is a really wonderful space filled with some fascinating old books. We were very grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Scots law and the Scottish legal profession.”

Kayla Grant, also from New Zealand, said: “The Pegasus Scholarship is designed to facilitate ties between common law countries and give Commonwealth lawyers a sense of the UK legal system. We’re grateful to have been able to travel to Scotland and Northern Ireland as part of the programme. During our visit to the Faculty of Advocates, we learned a lot about the development and special characteristics of Scottish law and got a sense of the collegial profession in Scotland.”

“The Pegasus Scholarship has given me a number of ideas about ways in which we could adapt our practice in New Zealand, even where our law differs,” said Jade Lancaster, who is visiting from Christchurch, New Zealand.

Eliza Lockhart, who hails from Melbourne, Australia, obtained her Master of Law at the University of Cambridge. “I am excited to finally be back in the UK and learning about the legal systems in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It was a privilege and an absolute pleasure to tour the court buildings. I was particularly interested to learn about the unique Scottish common law and the close-knit legal profession.”

“It’s been an incredible experience,” said Erin Wallin, a Pegasus scholar from the USA. “We spend six weeks, mostly based in London, learning about the UK legal system. We also visit Scotland and Northern Ireland. We truly enjoyed our tour and were floored by the beautiful library. We especially loved popping in on an active hearing and seeing the boxes where barristers receive their instructions.