One Essex Court, a leading commercial barristers’ chambers, has introduced two new workshops aimed at encouraging and supporting those from ethnic minority backgrounds in pursuing a career at the Commercial Bar.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive group sessions, and to ask questions and gain insights from OEC practising barristers. Here’s what they say about the workshops:

Launched in celebration of Black History Month this October, these workshops reflect our strong, on-going commitment to equality and diversity. We especially encourage those from ethnic minority backgrounds to apply. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and candidates will either be confirmed or placed on a waiting list.

Workshop 1: Introduction to the Commercial bar 

Thursday 5 December 2024 5pm – 7pm

This session is ideal for students from sixth-form level upwards who may be interested in the Commercial Bar and want to learn more about topics like: 

• What do commercial barristers do? 
• Why is it an attractive career? 
• What are the routes to becoming a commercial barrister? 
• What do clients look for in a commercial barrister? 

Followed by interactive group sessions and a Q&A.

Register your interest by Thursday 28th November 2024.

Workshop 2: Applying for pupillage at the Commercial Bar  

Tuesday 25 February 2025 5pm to 7pm

Tailored for those applying in February 2025, or in the near future, for pupillage at the Commercial Bar, focused on interview preparation, including:

• How should you approach interviews? 
• What is the best way to tackle problem questions?
• What separates the Commercial Bar from other areas of the Bar? 

Followed by interactive group sessions and a Q&A.

Register your interest by Friday 7 February 2025.