Aim

One Crown Office Row is committed to assisting the Bar to become as diverse and representative of society as possible. To this end, in 2015 we launched an assessed mini-pupillage scheme targeted at socio-economically disadvantaged applicants, which guaranteed a first-round interview for pupillage to those applicants who performed well in their assessments. Following the success of the scheme in 2016 and its expansion in 2017, in summer 2018 we again expanded the scheme and recruited 10 assessed mini-pupils to undertake a week-long mini-pupillage. This year, we are looking to run the scheme again and to offer at least 10 assessed mini-pupillages.

Why join us? Find out here.

Selection Process

The scheme is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:

A: You must have attended a non-selective state school or college from ages 11 to 18*, be able to demonstrate high academic achievement, and be either in at least your second year of university or a graduate.

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
  • Your family has received income support
  • You have caring responsibilities
  • You were in care yourself

*Individuals who attended a non-selective school from ages 11 to 16 but attended a state selective/grammar school from ages 16 to 18 are eligible to apply.

Applicants from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and disabled individuals are particularly encouraged to apply.

Where two candidates are of equal merit, preference will be given to candidates who have less experience of the Bar (e.g. fewer mini-pupillages).

Applications

Applications for the 2023 scheme are now closed.

Applications for the 2024 scheme will open on Monday 6th May 2024, and close on Friday 28th June 2024.

Traditionally, applications are submitted by completing the form and emailing it with ‘Assessed Mini-Pupillage’ as the subject, along with an up-to-date copy of your CV, to alison.ebdon@1cor.com.

Postal applications should be addressed to Alison Ebdon, c/o Equality and Diversity Committee, 1 Crown Office Row, Temple, London EC4Y 7HH.

Click here to download the form. Please note that successful applicants guaranteed a first-round interview must still apply for 1COR pupillage via the Pupillage Gateway.

Expenses

Assessed mini-pupils will be entitled to a bursary of £150 and up to a further £150 (or more if necessary) to cover any travel and accommodation expenses.