Sixty chambers involved in latest Bar Placement Scheme

Now in its sixth year, the scheme, hosted by The Bar Council in conjunction with the Social Mobility Foundation, enables talented state school students to spend a week undertaking work experience with barristers’ chambers and attending talks, workshops and a reception hosted by the Chairman of the Bar, Michael Todd QC, and the Chair of the Bar Council’s Social Mobility Committee, Taryn Lee QC.

All of the students are from schools with a higher than average take up of free school meals and would be the first people in their family to attend university.

The majority are from minority ethnic backgrounds and, for many, English is their second language. All of the students are predicted to achieve at least ABB grades at A-Level.

Michael Todd QC, Chairman of the Bar Council, said: “This scheme forms a vital part of the Bar Council’s programme of activity to encourage talented students to aim for the bar, regardless of their social and economic backgrounds and their connections in the legal profession.”

David Johnston, Chief Executive of the Social Mobility Foundation, added: “the Bar Placement week continues to go from strength to strength. We have an enthusiastic group of budding barristers who have been looking forward to their week.”