Garden Court Chambers is proud to congratulate Fedaa Al Jundi for receiving the Stephen Knafler QC Scholarship.
Stephen was a member of Garden Court for 16 years until 2016, including Joint Head of Chambers (2013-2016).
This Scholarship has been set up in memory of the late Stephen Knafler QC who was an exceptional barrister known for his work at the forefront of the protection of the rights of migrants and vulnerable asylum seekers in the UK.
24 October 2023 sees the third anniversary of the untimely death of Stephen Knafler QC, whose work improved access to socio-economic rights for asylum-seekers and migrants.
Barristers from three chambers – Doughty Street Chambers, Garden Court Chambers and Landmark Chambers – collaborated with members of his family, LAG and Sue Willman of Deighton Pierce Glynn to establish the Stephen Knafler QC Scholarship, aimed at enabling students from a refugee background to study for the Bar at City Law School.
With additional financial help from Anthony Gold Solicitors, the second year’s target was met, and its recipient, Fedaa Al Jundi, recently began his course. He said:
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the scholarship offer that has been made to me to study the Bar Course at City Law School. I am honoured and grateful to be the second recipient of the Stephen Knafler QC Scholarship, which enables me to study the Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) course at City Law School. This scholarship means a lot to me, as it provides me with financial support, recognition and encouragement from those who knew and respected Mr Knafler.
The scholarship will make a significant difference to my academic and professional development, as it will allow me to pursue my dream of becoming a barrister, which would not have been possible otherwise. I hope to follow in the footsteps of Mr Knafler and to use my legal knowledge and passion to serve the public interest and uphold justice. I also hope to contribute to this scholarship in the future, so that more aspiring barristers from diverse backgrounds can benefit from this wonderful initiative."
Tim Baldwin, a barrister at Garden Court Chambers, said:
“The members of Garden Court Chambers were delighted to hear that Fedaa had been awarded the Stephen Knafler QC scholarship to train as a barrister for 2023-4. This award cements Steve’s legal legacy and represents a unique collaboration between the membership of Doughty Street, Landmark and Garden Court chambers combined with Anthony Gold solicitor, LAG, Steve’s family and many other solicitors, especially Sue Willman of DPG, and numerous individuals. This scholarship is a fitting memorial to Steve’s work on advancing the rights and opportunities for refugees and migrants in the UK especially in supporting access to the legal profession.”
Donations for the third scholarship are welcome.
A celebration of Stephen’s life will take place at the Doggett’s Coat and Badge on the south side of Blackfriars Bridge, London, on 25 November 2023. The memorial will start at 1 pm with speeches starting at 2 pm, and finish around 5 pm, with buffet food and drinks provided. If you knew Stephen and would like to attend, please RSVP to StephenKnaflerMemorial@gmail.com in advance.
