What the International Professional and Legal Development Grant Programme does
It enables junior barristers to take part in initiatives which will offer them a global perspective on legal issues, and help them to thrive in an increasingly competitive legal market.
Eligibility for the programme
Established in 2009, the programme allows barristers under seven years’ practice to apply for financial assistance to participate in international legal programmes of their choice, which contribute to their professional development.
The Bar Council Scholarship Trust
The trust grants up to a third of the costs of participation, the applicant’s Specialist Bar Association (SBA) will provide another third of the cost, with the remaining cost to be covered by the applicant.
Eligibility for the Trust
All barristers who:
- are qualified in England and Wales
- have practised for less than seven years
will be eligible to apply for the scheme.
You should identify the legal event or programme and clearly explain their motivation for participating, and what you hope to learn from the programme.
Successful applicants must commit to writing about the experience after the event - insights, experience gained and learning outcomes - in order to share information and promote the programme. Options include writing a blog for the Bar Council website, pitching an article to Counsel magazine (or other relevant publication) or writing for an SBA newsletter/publication.
- The applicant must be must have become eligible for a full practising certificate (post-Pupillage or Third Six) less than seven years before the end date of the programme
- The applicant must be in employed or self-employed practice
- The applicant must be a member of a participating Specialist Bar Association
- The applicant must submit their completed application form and budget to the nominated SBA coordinator and the Bar Council by the deadline (at least one month prior to the event/programme start date)
Applications
- will be accepted on a rolling basis over a 12-month period (which runs from 1 October to 30 September).The current cycle dates are Tuesday 1 October 2024 to Tuesday 30 September 2025
- must be submitted at least one month before the event or programme you wish to participate in
- will be considered by way of a two-stage process, being screened first by their SBA and then by the Bar Council Scholarship Trust
How to apply
You must submit:
- an application form, including your proposed budget, to your SBA and to the Bar Council, and
- an equality and diversity monitoring form to the Bar Council only
See the Terms of Reference for further details on the scheme and how you can apply.
Since 2009 we have awarded over 100 grants, which have helped junior barristers to participate in key international events and programmes in jurisdictions such as South Korea, Hong Kong, Brazil, Japan, France, Singapore, and the United States.
- View the Terms of Reference
Apply
- Download and complete:
- the application form
- the applicant budget form
- our equality & diversity monitoring form (if you choose to do so)
- Send all documents to [email protected]
You will be given a decision within one month of receipt of your application.
If you have any questions, email [email protected]
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