In October 2022, Bridging the Bar launched the first-ever BTB Academy. Through the BTB Academy, 100 high-quality candidates from underrepresented backgrounds have gained access to multiple programmes and training opportunities over the course of the academic year in order to help them boost their CVs and prepare them for the Pupillage applications process. You can read more about it in their brochure. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a barrister, then this free programme, which is designed to fit alongside work or study, is worth considering. It runs from September to June. A £10,000 Resilience Fund is available to ensure financial challenges do not create barriers to participation.

Candidates are selected through a thorough application process every year; if you would like to be considered for the 2026/27 cohort please go to their website to find out more. You might also want to hear one of the success stories?

Olivia Bennett, is one of BTB’s UK Supreme Court interns, who applied for pupillage for the second time last year and with the support of Bridging the Bar secured nine (yes, nine!) pupillage offers. Check out her short video on YouTube, talking about the scheme.

What does the Academy offer?

• Internships at leading institutions, including the UK Supreme Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and Law Commission
• Two mini-pupillages at our 49 partner chambers
• 1-1 mentoring with a practising barrister in your area of interest
• Specialised advocacy training for pupillage interviews and fundamental advocacy training, including practical sessions with actors
• Mooting and essay competitions
• Personal development sessions to build confidence, overcome fear, enhance CVs and written applications, and refine interview skills

Mass Ndow-Njie is the Founder and Chairperson of BTB and here are his aspirations for the scheme:

If we embrace ourselves, our unique stories, and our varied cultures, we can create a ‘new normal’ in the profession. In this new normal, there will be no such thing as the ‘conventional’ image of a barrister. Instead, barristers will be as diverse as the society we live in and as diverse as the clients we represent.

So, don’t delay, get on and apply for the Bridging the Bar Academy…