Introduction – Richard Frost
Access to the Bar is the Inn’s flagship social mobility programme. Aimed at undergraduate students, universities are invited to nominate up to two students each who subsequently go through a selection process at the Inn. The programme is aimed at students who are amongst the first in their families to go to university, with special consideration given to those from non-traditional backgrounds that are under-represented at the Bar. Successful students are placed for one week with a chambers, followed by one week marshalling for a judge, and are provided with a £700 grant and accommodation for the duration of the scheme. The programme has had a great impact over the years, with many Access to the Bar scholars now in pupillage and tenancy!
This year, we have asked some of the students who completed the scheme to reflect on their experience and share them below.
Members of the Inn interested in providing an opportunity for a student are encouraged to register their interest here.
Bradie Scotcher
I was ecstatic to be awarded the Access to the Bar Award. It is, for me, a life-changing opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed my time shadowing the barristers and it has cemented my career choice.
I started the week feeling really nervous and not knowing what to expect. At the end of the week, I was overjoyed! I felt energised and focused, ready for the next stage of my career.
The Access to the Bar Award has provided me with confidence in my abilities. That I can develop my skills and become a barrister. As a second-year law student going into my third, I feel re-energised and ready for my next stage. I am due to Marshall at the end of this month, and I simply cannot wait. I cannot thank Middle Temple enough for this opportunity. Having come from living in a youth hostel at the age of 16, to now being a recipient of such a prestige award is a bit mind-blowing to me! I think it’s a reminder for me and anyone, if you want something just keep working towards it.
Jack Orton
I would like to reiterate my thanks for organising my experience for the two weeks. It was an engaging, interesting, and enlightening time that has spurred me on to pursue a career at the Bar.
I did not think a career as a barrister would be open to me, having grown up in a low-income household and being the first in my family to attend university. It was great to know that Middle Temple saw potential following my interview and I am grateful to have been given the award.
When I am next in London, I will make sure to pay Middle Temple a visit!
Jane Twum
This award has enabled me to gain invaluable experience which will help me in my journey as a barrister.
I completed a weeklong mini-pupillage with 2 Hare Court. The barristers were very friendly, well organised, and always ready to answer my questions. Even though my mini-pupillage coincided with the rail strikes, they were still able to give me the opportunity to attend court and witness advocacy from the prosecution and defence barristers of the chambers. Both barristers that I shadowed made sure I was not just observing but also took their time to give me the background of the case and how they approach it. They were very accommodating and inclusive, offering advice on the next stages of my career.
At the Upper Immigration Tribunal, I had the opportunity to marshal three Judges. Even though I was only scheduled to marshal one Judge, he quickly found me other judges to marshal when his case was cancelled. I witnessed judicial reviews and appeals of declined visa and stay applications. Before each case, the judges always explained to me the grounds of appeal and the legal question before the courts. Having this experience allows me to make an informed choice on what area of law I would like to pursue in the future as a barrister.
Katie Twelves
I have had issues with my eyesight for a number of years and have often wondered whether it would be possible for me to successfully practice at the Bar. The barrister I was shadowing arranged for me to meet with a friend from a nearby chambers who is visually impaired. Being able to speak to him about his experiences was an invaluable experience for me and showed me that it could be possible for me to practice at the Bar.
Throughout the fortnight, I had the opportunity watch a range of advocacy in both the Crown and County Courts. I also spoke to several barristers and judges about their careers and experience at the Bar. This helped provide a greater insight to the work of barristers and judges, but also highlighted the different approaches that can be taken to get to the Bar.
Without the award, I would not have had the privilege of such a unique experience, and I would like to extend my thanks to Middle Temple in addition to Poonam Pattni, her colleagues at 12 CP Chambers and Master Michael Gledhill for their time.
Mohammed Kamran
My background originates from the fashion industry, and in 2021 I took the plunge to change my career and follow my true passion, law, by embarking on the GDL. My interest in law stems from my deep desire for social justice and equality.
My mini pupillage was at The 36 Group with Sandra Akinbolu and Karen Reid, in immigration, asylum and nationality law. They were both great role models and incredible public law practitioners; I was able to see great advocacy, incredible skeleton arguments, and see what it takes to be a great barrister. I asked as many questions as possible, and both Sandra and Karen give tips, advice, and guidance.
I marshalled Judge Cartin in a Tier 1 immigration and asylum Tribunal. Like Sandra and Karen, Judge Cartin was very encouraging, empowering and knowledgeable. I was able to sit in on substantial hearings, remote hearings, and bail applications. It was interesting to see what the process was like from a judge’s view.
Being a working class Pakistani gay man, I thought I wouldn’t fit in at the Bar, however, my view has changed; I was welcomed, encouraged, and I had the best time. I felt the strong ethos which Middle Temple holds of ‘paving the way for the younger generation and to improve the Bar’.
Pamir Rasouli
Receiving the Access to the Bar Award by Middle Temple has really given me the motivation to continue my path to becoming a successful barrister. Having been a marshal to the wonderful Master Simon Monty gave me a better understanding of how the judiciary hears cases fairly and impartially. I was able to discuss at great lengths the case with Master Monty, and what really struck me halfway through was that I, as a mere law student, was putting my opinion forward to a very esteemed judge, and they were listening and really wanting to understand what my opinion was.
I also embarked on a mini-pupillage at Essex Court Chambers and was provided with three very intellectual barristers who were all passionate, kind, helpful, and answered all the questions I had. These two weeks have shown me, as someone from a non-traditional background, that there is a place at the Bar for individuals like me. I cannot thank Middle Temple enough and will forever cherish the invaluable experiences that I have been provided with. I have made a promise to myself and that is until I become a judge and take on my own marshal, I will always find a way to give back to the Middle Temple and the amazing members of Middle Temple.
Patient Edionwe
I always knew I wanted to be a barrister. My interest in law and my desire to become a barrister began with the realisation that it touches every aspect of our lives. Giving people a voice and putting an end to injustice excites me. I believe I can make positive changes with advocacy, plus the success is very rewarding. The Access to the Bar Awards gave me the opportunity to do this by providing two weeks of work experience where I gained a practical, first-hand insight into life as a barrister.
Alongside the experience, I also applied for the Access to the Bar Award to demonstrate that women, no matter what their race, ethnicity, or socio-economic background, can achieve their dreams, become leaders, and advance in their future careers. I advise all those who are eligible to apply for this award. I believe that everyone should have the chance to become the best version of themselves. People should be given the opportunity to show their potential to succeed.
Sarah Hair
I gained from the experience precisely what I sought – insight into both judicial decision-making and the workings of a prestigious commercial chambers, as well as the invaluable opportunity to make connections and demonstrate work ethic.
Marshalling Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) Paul Goldspring was surreal, having only interacted with the Bench through mooting thus far. Aside from the intrigue of witnessing the ’behind-the-scenes’ of judicial reasoning, it was immensely valuable to learn what characteristics and delivery styles are appreciated in advocates.
Through mini-pupillage at Whitestone Chambers, I was extremely privileged not only to work under Head of Chambers, Lawrence Power, but to be given meaningful research and drafting tasks. In addition to acquiring practical knowledge, the importance of decisiveness and clarity in communication was underscored, where persuasiveness is what one is paid for.
Coming from Northern Ireland where barristers work solitarily, the chambers environment was something entirely unfamiliar, but one I’ve learned the value of and would now prefer. I believe the Award has indeed granted me a foot in the door in terms of future opportunities at the Commercial Bar in London, particularly noting mini-pupillages are typically prerequisite or desired when applying for pupillage.
Thomas Anderson
My first mini-pupillage was with Brian McCluggage of Nine St. John Street Chambers. My time with Brian highlighted how a personal injury barrister is working with dual lives. Counsel work with the claimants’ actual situation (their shattered life), and the life they could have had. It highlighted the sensitive but assertive and professional approach needed. Further, when observing the Joint Settlement Meeting (JSM), I soon learned how a personal injury barrister needs to be a keen negotiator; someone who can tactically steer a negotiation in their clients’ wished direction, while adjusting and responding to opposing counsel.
My second mini-pupillage was with Ten Old Square Chambers. I spent time with James Kirby, James Poole and Richard Dew. It shone through that the Chancery and Commercial Bar encapsulates a vast range of different advocacy and skills. Counsel are required to deal with clients who are, for example, in family disputes or those involved in large transactional disputes.
Both chambers were immensely supportive and welcoming. I thoroughly enjoyed both experiences and reinforced my desire to access the Bar. I would like to thank the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple for this scheme, it has provided me with invaluable experience and insight as I pursue my career.
