In 2016 1COR launched an Equality & Diversity Mini Pupillage Scheme because they wanted to play a greater role in helping the Bar to become as diverse and inclusive as possible by attracting able university students and post-graduates from less advantaged backgrounds.

The aim is to enable ambitious law students from less advantaged backgrounds to get an initial experience of Chambers that might normally be found more easily for those with family or friends already in the legal profession.

The ED mini-pupillage is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:

A: You must have attended a state school or college, be able to demonstrate high academic achievement, and have attended or be attending university.

AND

B: You must also meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Neither of your parents went to university
  • You have received free school meals or your family has received income support
  • You have caring responsibilities
  • You were in care yourself

This year the scheme was a great success, with nearly a hundred applicants for five places.

One of the mini-pupils was outstanding and 1 Crown Office Row will offer her a guaranteed first round interview for pupillage.

This year the aim is to attract even more applicants from all around the UK for the places to be offered next summer 2017 in both Crown Office Row London and the Brighton annex.

The experience of the mini pupillage allows pupils interested in becoming a barrister to see first-hand what the nature of developing a top tier barrister’s practice involves and they will meet with the team who clerk the barrister’s cases.

1 Crown Office Row is a leading set working on some of the highest profile cases, inquests and inquiries in Public and Health Law in the UK. They also run the widely acclaimed UK Human Rights Blog.

The E&D Mini Pupillage is offered at Crown Office Row in London and in the Brighton Annexe.