A Foundation established in Fiona's memory
A Foundation has been established in memory of Fiona Wheeler, co-founder, with Anna Burnside, of The Burnside Partnership. Fiona sadly died in December 2019 after a long and courageous battle with illness and aged only 35.
Fiona was an extremely talented and respected Private Client lawyer. She was admired by colleagues and clients alike for her technical expertise, precision and skill together with her common sense and sensitivity.
Anna and Fiona had worked together for many years and without Fiona’s tenacity, ambition and keen business sense, The Burnside Partnership would not have come into existence. Fiona was key in realising her and Anna’s vision to create a specialist Private Client law firm and advisory practice truly dedicated to meeting their clients’ needs.
Fiona believed passionately in supporting young people in their careers and was instrumental in and central to establishing The Burnside Partnership’s apprenticeship programme; a programme that has received numerous awards, including Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year 2018.
Given Fiona’s interest in and help she provided to young people both inside and outside of work, the Foundation’s focus will be on helping disadvantaged young people and aiding social mobility, including supporting young people’s educational and career development and providing assistance in challenging times, such as sickness or disability.
Fiona loved animals, especially her dog, who brought much joy and provided much support to her, especially during her illness. Therefore, the Foundation will also focus on supporting charities which recognise the important role animals play in enhancing people's lives and well-being.
Should you wish to find out more or make a donation, please contact .moc.pihsrentrapedisnrubeht%40edisnrub.alled
Fiona's Foundation is proud to support The AS Foundation.
The AS Foundation is a social mobility charity aiming to remove financial barriers to the legal profession for aspiring solicitors. For example, the Foundation provides laptops and/or textbooks for study, part-funded scholarships, travel warrants for law firm open days, or workwear required for legal interviews and/or work experience (where/if not covered by firms) to applicants from low income backgrounds.
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and have demonstrated a firm commitment to pursuing a career as a solicitor.
They will evidence why they need financial support and continue to be engaged with the AS Foundation to demonstrate the benefit achieved from the assistance.
A career in the legal profession is often seen as an impossible dream by those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, no matter how strong their drive, dedication, and positivity. The ambition at The AS Foundation is to remove financial barriers that smart, ambitious, and energised young people can face when considering a career as a solicitor.
To find out more about The AS Foundation do visit their website here.