Mentoring scheme for underrepresented lawyers: applications open

A new planning and public law mentoring scheme for underrepresented racial and ethnic groups at the Bar was launched this week.

A group of leading chambers partnered up with the Planning and Environmental Bar Association (PEBA) to improve ethnic minority access to the Bar. The aims to encourage undergraduates and postgraduates from underrepresented groups to consider becoming barristers.

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.

According to its website, PEBA is an “association of barristers who specialise in planning, environment, compulsory purchase, highways, housing, rating and other aspects of local government and administrative law.”

The commercial set group is composed of:

• Cornerstone Barristers;
• Field Court Chambers;
• Francis Taylor Building (FTB);
• Kings Chambers; and
• Landmark Chambers.

The scheme, which runs from October 2021 to June 2022, will provide advice and guidance to suitable candidates on the process of becoming a barrister specialising in planning, property and public law.

Robin Green of Cornerstone Barristers said: “The Bar should be open to all who have the requisite ability. This belief pushed the group to create a programme that will not only drive equality but also support those wishing to further a career at the Bar.”

Barrister, Melissa Murphy of FTB added: “The Bar does not properly reflect the society in which we operate. Practical steps need to be taken in order to widen access, to address that issue. This mentoring scheme for under-represented groups at the Bar is one such practical step. The application process will open shortly, and we all look forward to establishing new mentor/mentee relationships and, in turn, to widening access to the Bar.”

PEBA and its chambers partners hope that the mentoring scheme will drive diversity by helping talented individuals, from a non-traditional background into the legal profession.

The application form can be downloaded from the webpage, along with the guidelines for the applicants.

Applications should be made to [email protected] by midday on 8 October 2021. Successful applicants will be notified by email by 29 October 2021.

If you would like help with your applications, read LawCareers.Net Feature on how to write the perfect cover letter, CV or application form. Candidates can also:

• visit the LawCareers.Net Barrister and Diversity Hub for more information on the barrister career path;
• read this Oracle to find out how the 2021 pupillage application process works;
• listen to the LawCareers.Net Podcast episode on how to become a barrister; and
• watch Danithebarrister vlog on basic pupillage application tips.