The Government has launched a new multi-million-pound scheme to support the training of aspiring criminal barristers. The initiative, which began on Tuesday 1 September, will provide up to 100 additional pupillages annually.
Backed by £1.5 million in annual funding, the scheme aims to widen access to the legal profession and help talented individuals from various backgrounds secure the practical training needed to qualify. This is intended to strengthen the Criminal Bar by increasing the number of junior advocates.
Minister for Courts and Legal Services Sarah Sackman KC MP stated that the initiative will help train the next generation of criminal barristers essential for upholding the rule of law and delivering swifter justice. The scheme builds on the Council of the Inns of Court pupillage match-funding programme and will support additional training places that would not otherwise be available.
Chambers receiving funding are expected to incorporate equal opportunity measures into their recruitment practices, including targeted outreach. This announcement forms part of the Government’s broader plan to rebuild the criminal justice system and tackle the Crown Court backlog.