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.  

 

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.

Apply

You will be given a decision within one month of receipt of your application.

If you have any questions, email [email protected]

To receive information about international events, update your communication preferences on MyBar to sign up to our BarTalk, International or Young Bar newsletters.

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