A former Sunderland AFC midfielder has been awarded with the 2023 Sweeney Miller Law Prize at a University of Sunderland summer graduation ceremony.
Adam Bale, who gave up professional football to study Law following a leg injury, graduated this week with the highest grade on his course, as well as being presented with the Sweeney Miller Law Prize. Adam received the accolade as a result of his impressive marks in the Commercial Law module of the course and will receive a two-week paid work placement with the firm, and a £1,000 cash prize.
Presenting the award, Partner and Head of Conveyancing at Sweeney Miller’s Sunderland Office and Sunderland University graduate himself, Damien Todd, said: “Achieving such a fantastic result in Commercial Law at the University is something that Adam should be greatly proud of. No doubt the mark is culmination of a significant amount of studying throughout the year. We are extremely pleased to present the award and welcoming him to Sweeney Miller Law when his placement starts later this month.”
Adam plans to continue his academic studies before qualifying as a barrister and is enrolled on the Bar Course at Northumbria University, he commented: “I am really proud of what I have achieved, I worked hard to finish top of the Commercial Law Module and the degree overall. My aspiration was always to move over to law later in my career… as a footballer, I was always competitive and always liked the idea of pitting myself against another in court. It’s about challenging myself.”
Toni Spencer, Principal Lecturer at the University of Sunderland commented: “Receiving the Commercial Law Award from Sweeney Miller and finishing with the highest mark overall in his cohort is a phenomenal achievement. Adam, and his fellow students have undertaken a difficult degree in challenging circumstances during lockdown and I am incredibly proud of each and every student.”
We are always on the lookout for talented individuals to join the Sweeney Miller Law team, to find out more please visit our careers page.
