Law student Curtis Haas has been named the first recipient of The Allens Pinnacle Scholarship, which provides educational and mentoring support to young people who identify as LGBTIQ+ and are interested in a career in law.
The Pinnacle Foundation provides educational and vocational support to young LGBTIQ+ Australians to realise their full potential and overcome challenges arising from their identity. Curtis is one of 51 scholars who will be supported by Pinnacle in 2021.
The announcement marks the official commencement of Allens' multi-year partnership with The Pinnacle Foundation, part of the firm's ongoing commitment to providing an inclusive workplace where diversity is fostered and the contribution of different backgrounds is valued.
'At Allens, providing an inclusive workplace where diversity - including identifying as LGBTIQ+ - is celebrated is important to who we are as a firm,' said Allens Partner and ALLin committee head Robert Walker.
'We are thrilled to be able to support Curtis through The Allens Scholarship and very excited to share in his journey to a career in law.'
Curtis, who is the first in his family to attend university, is entering the second year of his Juris Doctor at The University of Melbourne, having previously graduated his Bachelor of International Studies at RMIT University in 2019. Following his studies, Curtis hopes to pursue a career in international commercial law, bringing together his interests in global political economy, Asia studies and human rights in business practice.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Pinnacle Foundation, Andrew Staite, said the Allens partnership and scholarship will help transform the lives of young adults who identify as LGBTIQ+.
'By partnering with The Pinnacle Foundation and launching a scholarship, Allens is demonstrating genuine support for young adults in the LGBTIQ+ community. The Allens scholarship presents unique opportunities for students like Curtis who are interested in a career in law.
'Allens is a leader in the diversity space and we're delighted to be partnering with them,' Andrew said.