Members of Essex Court Chambers are delighted to announce that the ten sets of Chambers participating in the Mentoring Scheme for underrepresented groups have, between them, offered places on the scheme to nearly 200 applicants from groups that are underrepresented at the Bar.
The scheme will make a real contribution to increasing opportunity and diversity at the Bar, by providing mentees with a source of information and advice, and by making it clear that a career at the Bar is open to anyone, from any background.
More details about the scheme can be found here.
It is open to people from underrepresented groups including women; people from minority ethnic backgrounds; people with disabilities; LGBT+ people; people who spent time in care; and people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
The participating sets of Chambers are:
- Blackstone Chambers
- Brick Court Chambers
- Essex Court Chambers
- Fountain Court Chambers
- Gatehouse Chambers
- Keating Chambers
- 7 King’s Bench Walk
- Monckton Chambers
- One Essex Court Chambers
- 3 Verulam Buildings
Philippa Hopkins QC, a member of the committee that has been working to set up the mentoring scheme, says, “We were so pleased to receive a large number of applications to this scheme as it enters its second year. The fact that more sets have joined us in offering mentoring to individuals from groups underrepresented at the commercial Bar is good news. Last year, many mentees went on to gain pupillage at a variety of sets. We are looking forward to supporting this year’s cohort and we hope that the scheme will make a real contribution to improving diversity in the profession.”
