BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Twelve law students from universities in Beijing and Shanghai were honored with the annual International Legal Fellowship awards here Monday, the sponsor, Jones Day International Law Firm, announced.

The winners received 15,000 yuan (about 2,207 U.S dollars) each to "support their education and experience in the legal area of their choice," the firm said in a statement.

This year's winners are from top universities including China University of Political Science and Law, Fudan University, Peking University, Shanghai International Studies University and Tsinghua University.

The Jones Day International Legal Fellowship has granted a total of more than 1.7 million yuan to 123 students from 17 universities in Shanghai and Beijing over the past decade.

John Kao, partner-in-charge of Jones Day Beijing, said, "We have seen a strong improvement in the quality of applicants over the past 10 years, which indicates that the future of the legal profession in China is clearly very bright."

Winners are students who have outstanding academic records, display original and creative thought, have strong communication skills in English and Chinese, and have shown exceptional interests and promise in the legal profession, according to the firm.

Jones Day is an international law firm with more than 2,500 lawyers worldwide.