> Applications for Mentoring Scheme 2026 now open

Applications for Mentoring Scheme 2026 now open

16 Sep 2026

Public Law & Judicial Review, Planning & Environment

Applications are now open for the cross-chambers Mentoring Scheme supporting talented undergraduates and postgraduates from underrepresented groups at the Bar, including women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

Background

In 2021, Cornerstone Barristers and four other planning, property and public law sets (Field Court Chambers, Francis Taylor Building, Kings Chambers, and Landmark Chambers) set up a mentoring scheme for underrepresented groups at the Bar supported by the Planning and Environment Bar Association (PEBA). Since the inaugural scheme, Falcon Chambers, 39 Essex Chambers, No 5 Chambers, Gatehouse Chambers and Tanfield Chambers have all joined the scheme.

The programme is intended to encourage undergraduates and postgraduates from groups that are not well represented at the Bar to consider becoming barristers. These underrepresented groups include women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

The Bar should be open to all who have the requisite ability, and we hope that the mentoring scheme will help talented individuals who might not think the Bar is for them to understand what the Bar has to offer and how to become a barrister, and to assist in the application process.

Selected mentees will benefit from personalised one-to-one mentoring sessions with experienced professionals, participate in a comprehensive workshop focused on pupillage applications, and enjoy social events that foster connections with mentors and fellow aspirants. This is your chance to discover the wealth of opportunities the Bar has to offer, gain valuable insights, and receive practical support throughout the application process.