Today marks the launch of a new planning and public law mentoring scheme for underrepresented groups at the Bar. The initiative is a partnership between our chambers, the Planning and Environmental Bar Association (PEBA) and 4 other sets: Cornerstone Barristers, Francis Taylor Building, Kings Chambers and Landmark Chambers.
The scheme is intended to encourage undergraduates and postgraduates from groups that are not well represented at the Bar to consider becoming barristers. It will run from October 2021 to June 2022 and aims to provide advice and guidance to suitable candidates on the process of becoming a barrister specialising in planning, property and public law.
PEBA and each of the partner sets recognise the importance of driving equality and diversity in the Bar. It is hoped this mentoring scheme can lay the foundations to creating a profession that is representative of all and for all by introducing those from a non-traditional background into the profession. It is inspired by a similar scheme launched by a collection of commercial sets.
Jared Norman says, “We’re delighted to be part of this initiative. It’s important we encourage more students from under-represented groups to consider careers as barristers so the Bar better reflects the diversity of society as a whole”.
Successful applicants will be offered one-to-one meetings with a mentor, a workshop on applications for pupillage and (subject to Covid-19 restrictions) one or more social events with mentors and other mentees.
How to apply
If you would like to apply for a place on the scheme, please refer to the guidelines for applicants and complete the application form.
The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 8 October 2021. Successful applicants will be notified by email by Friday 29 October 2021.