Cornerstone Barristers launch Mentoring Scheme for underrepresented groups at the Bar

13 Sep 2021

Cornerstone Barristers and four other sets specialising in Planning, Property and Public Law, Field Court Chambers, FTB Chambers, Kings Chambers and Landmark Chambers, have set up a mentoring scheme for underrepresented groups at the Bar.

The scheme is intended to encourage undergraduates and postgraduates from groups that are not well represented at the Bar to consider becoming barristers. Supported by the Planning and Environment Bar Association, the scheme will run from October 2021 to June 2022 and aims to provide advice and guidance to suitable candidates on the process of becoming a barrister.

Here at Cornerstone, we recognise the importance of driving equality and diversity in the Bar and hope this Mentoring Scheme can lay the foundations to creating a profession that is representative of all and for all. Introducing those from a non-traditional background into the profession.

Inspired by a similar scheme launched by a collection of commercial sets, Robin Green of Cornerstone Barristers has collaborated with Field Court Chambers, FTB Chambers, Kings Chambers and Landmark Chambers to facilitate those wishing to pursue a career in Planning, Property and Public Law.

Robin Green says: “The Bar should be open to all who have the requisite ability, regardless of socio-economic status. This belief pushed me to create a programme that will not only drive equality, but support those wishing to further a career at the Bar.

“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, whilst assisting in the application process.”

Successful applicants will be offered one-to-one meetings with a mentor, a workshop on applications for pupillage and (subject to COVID-19 restrictions) one or more social events with mentors and other mentees.

For those that wish to apply, the application form can be downloaded here and the guidelines for applicants are here. Applications should be made to mentoring@cornerstonebarristers.com by midday on 8 October 2021. Successful applicants will be notified by e-mail by 29 October 2021.