Fountain Court Chambers is pleased to announce that the six sets of Chambers participating in the Mentoring Scheme for underrepresented groups have, between them, offered places on the scheme to nearly 150 applicants.  Over 400 applicants from groups that are underrepresented at the Bar applied for places on the scheme.

The sets involved hope that this scheme will make a real contribution to increasing diversity at the Bar, by providing mentees with a source of information and advice, and by making it clear that a career at the Bar is open to anyone, from any background.

More details of the scheme are here.  It is open to people from underrepresented groups including women; people from minority ethnic backgrounds; people with disabilities; LGBT+ people; people who spent time in care; and people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

The participating sets of Chambers are:

  • Blackstone Chambers
  • Brick Court Chambers
  • Essex Court Chambers
  • Fountain Court Chambers
  • One Essex Court Chambers
  • 3 Verulam Buildings

Rosalind Phelps QC, Head of the Pupillage Committee said: “We are delighted that between the sets we have been able to offer nearly 150 applicants a place on the scheme in its first year. We received an overwhelming response and found narrowing down the applicants very difficult indeed. At Fountain Court we are looking forward to getting to know the mentees over the year ahead and hope that the scheme will provide them with valuable insight and assistance in considering whether to pursue a career at the bar.”