The mentoring scheme for underrepresented applicants to the Commercial Bar is open for applications until the 18th October.

The scheme is aimed at potential mentees who are interested in a career at the Bar and who come from traditionally underrepresented groups. Those groups include, but are not limited to: women, Black and other ethnic minority people, people who attended state schools, people from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds (particularly those eligible for free school meals), those who were in the first generation in their family to attend university, LGBTQ+ people, those who spent time in care, and people with disabilities.

How many sets of chambers are involved in the scheme?

There are 25 sets participating. You can see the full list on the scheme website.

What does the mentoring involve?

Successful applicants are placed with a mentor from one of those sets, allowing them to access a series of one-to-one mentoring sessions, and detailed advice from practitioners on how best to go about preparing to apply for commercial pupillage. That advice can span everything from what electives to choose through to application and interview tips to whether or not it is worth buying your own wig and gown! All participating sets have also agreed to cover reasonable travel expenses for mentees allocated to them.

If successful, when will the first commitment be?

Mentees and their mentors are also invited to a combined pupillage interview and application workshop and social event, which will take place at Gray’s Inn on 14 January 2025.

Does it matter if I’ve not been studying long?

No. In fact the scheme suggests the earlier the better in your university degree. The scheme will also welcome those from a non-law background who are thinking about switching to the Bar as a second career.

What are they looking for from me?

Eligible applicants for the scheme are assessed by reference to both their ‘need’, i.e. how much they are likely to benefit from mentoring and their ‘potential to pursue a career at the Bar’.

Here’s what the guidelines say on this matter:

Assessment criterion 1: In relation to need, difficulties the candidate has faced, the candidate’s educational and social background, will be taken into account. Demonstrated access to other assistance will also be taken into account, although having some such access to assistance, as well as having previous knowledge or experience of the Bar, will not prevent applicants being granted a place on the scheme.

Assessment criterion 2: Potential to pursue a career at the Bar may be demonstrated by reference to the following exclusive criteria, which shall be weighted equally:

• Evidence of intellectual ability.  This may, for instance, be demonstrated through educational achievement, in particular in the context of average attainment at the educational settings attended by the applicant. Evidence of a desire to pursue a career at the Bar.  This may, for instance, be demonstrated through relevant work experience (although it is recognised that applicants will not have had the same work experience opportunities), summer work or extra-curricular activities, or other evidence of commitment to a particular activity or skill.
• Evidence of an ability to write and/or speak persuasively, and/or to show compelling reasoning, in particular in the answers to the two long-form questions on the application form.

How do I apply?

Download the application form (from the COMBAR mentoring page) and once you have saved according to the specified naming conventions (see guidelines), you should email to SocialMobility@combar.com. The deadline is midday on the 18th October 2024.