- £1.5 million annual funding to help train aspiring legal talent
- 100 extra training places to help tear down barriers to the legal profession
- Part of Government’s plan to deliver a faster and fairer justice system
Launching on Tuesday 01 September, the Government has announced a multi-million-pound scheme to deliver up to 100 additional pupillages every year. The scheme will provide young people with the practical training required to become fully-fledged criminal barristers, who help deliver faster and fairer justice for victims.
The landmark scheme, backed by £1.5 million per year, will widen access to one of the country’s most prestigious professions, helping talented young people from all backgrounds secure the practical training needed to qualify as criminal barristers.
At the same time, it will strengthen the Criminal Bar by boosting the number of junior advocates entering the profession and develop a strong pipeline of talent to support the criminal justice system at a critical time.
Minister for Courts and Legal Services Sarah Sackman KC MP said:
I’ll never forget the day I was called to the Bar. It was a privilege to enter a profession that can help individuals in times of crisis and support the delivery of justice in this country. I want those opportunities open to the brightest people from all over the country and every background.
This major initiative will help train the next generation of criminal barristers who are essential to upholding the rule of law and delivering swifter justice for victims.
Backing future barristers will also deliver a stronger legal sector, which contributes more than £42 billion to the UK economy each year.
The scheme builds on the successful Council of the Inns of Court pupillage match-funding programme, providing dedicated support for pupillages across England and Wales.