Undergraduate students Louis Ryan from University College Dublin, Martha Ryan from Maynooth University, Solomiia Rohovska from Trinity College Dublin and Joey Oviarobo from Maynooth University, have won the Matheson University Challenge 2025.
The competition encouraged university students to explore a wide range of future opportunities for law firms to innovate and transform. The competition is designed to recognise students who aspire to achieve purpose and deliver change for Ireland's future legal landscape.
Teams of students from universities across Ireland were invited to submit a four-minute video suggesting an initiative that Matheson could consider implementing under one of the below headings, which would have a positive impact on our community:
- Environmental Sustainability
- The Arts
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Corporate Social Responsibility
Following a review of each submission, a shortlist of three teams were invited to present their proposal to a panel of judges comprising Eunan Hession partner in Matheson's Asset Management Department, Maeve Lochrie, partner in Private Wealth, Verona Mitchell, Head of our Facilities Department and guest judge, Rachel Ward, Senior Corporate Counsel, Microsoft.
After an afternoon of listening to innovative ideas, and much deliberation, the firm were delighted to announced the winners of this year’s challenge, Louis Ryan (UCD), Martha Ryan (Maynooth University), Solomiia Rohovska (TCD) and Joey Oviarobo (Maynooth University) who a cash prize of €5,000. The team demonstrated great collaboration and forward-thinking in their winning idea.
The Matheson University Challenge builds on the reach and significance of Matheson's student, graduate and academic programmes, such as the UCC and Matheson Innovation Partnership and the Innovation and Legal Technology Graduate Programme. Through these programmes and scholarships, Matheson is focused on promoting a culture of innovation that allows students to develop new skills and reach their full potential.
