Cornerstone Barristers have joined The Inner Temple’s PASS Scheme to support aspiring barristers through mini-pupillage

29 Mar 2022

Cornerstone Barristers are proud to announce that we have joined The Inner Temple’s Pegasus Access and Support Scheme (PASS). The scheme aims to improve access to the profession and support high achieving students from under-represented backgrounds, through securing mini-pupillages. The scheme covers the associated travel and accommodation costs to enable participants to fully enjoy the mini-pupillage experience.

Our mini-pupillage gives law graduates an opportunity to work alongside our barristers here at Cornerstone. Every year we take on mini-pupillages, providing insight into what it means to be a barrister.

The PASS Scheme aims to improve access to the profession and to support students from under-represented backgrounds. They will have the chance to be involved in virtual court time, to discuss and consider papers with barristers, as well as mentorship of written tasks.

Here at Cornerstone Barristers, we recognise the importance of driving equality and diversity. We want to ensure that the opportunities we have to offer are open to all backgrounds.

Clare Parry, Pupil Supervisor and public law barrister says: “We are thrilled to be part of the PASS Scheme. Diversity, inclusion and improving access to the profession is extremely important and something we strive to push forward at Cornerstone. The scheme is the perfect opportunity for us to support aspiring barristers who are yet to start the Bar course.”

To be eligible to apply to the mini-pupillage you must have completed the first two years of a law degree or have a completed or confirmed place on a GDL conversion course. To be eligible for the PASS Scheme you need to have attended a UK state school and meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Recipient of free school meals
  • First in their family to attend university
  • Have parents (s) who received income support or they themselves are in receipt of income or housing benefits
  • School area: Preference is given to those students who have attended schools with a low attainment and progression to higher education rate

Successful candidates will be contacted by the Inner Temple. For further information, and eligibility please see: https://www.innertemple.org.uk/becoming-a-barrister/how-to-get-involved/pass/.

We have also 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. Read more on the scheme here.