39 Essex Chambers Supports Underrepresented Groups with Access to the Bar

For the second consecutive year, 39 Essex Chambers is collaborating with the Planning and Environment Bar Association, PEBA, and seven other planning, property and public law sets, to deliver a mentorship scheme aimed at encouraging groups underrepresented at the Bar to consider a pathway to becoming a barrister.

The mentoring scheme is intended to encourage talented undergraduates and postgraduates, from underrepresented groups, to grow awareness of what the Bar has to offer. These underrepresented groups include women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds as well as people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

Successful applicants will be offered one-to-one meetings with a mentor, a workshop on applications for pupillage and one or more social events with mentors and other mentees.

Victoria Hutton, Barrister and Member of 39 Essex Chambers Management Board, noted: “We are delighted to be supporting this important scheme again this year. One of the core values of 39 Essex Chambers is inclusivity, and growing diversity at the Bar is something we are committed to. This mentoring scheme has a significant impact for individuals who may not traditionally consider a career at the Bar”.

The mentoring scheme is one of several which 39 Essex Chambers is involved with to ensure the Bar is open to all who have the requisite ability. Other outreach includes the 10,000 Black Interns foundation programme, as well as Sutton Trust Pathways placements, amongst many others.

Applications are now open for the 2024/25 mentoring scheme, which will run from October 2024 to June 2025.

Download the application form alongside the application guidelines and submit your application by 11.59pm, 11th October 2024 via email.