Every student is cordially invited to be attached to a practising barrister sponsor at the English Bar. Students from overseas, through meeting and getting to know their Sponsor, have the opportunity of making a personal contact at the English Bar, and home students have the opportunity of meeting a practitioner in social surroundings, whom they can question about practice and through whom, quite frequently useful introductions are obtained. In both cases, the student receives a unique introduction to the life of the Inn and its traditions. It is entirely up to Sponsors and their students to decide how and when they meet, but generally they dine together on one or more of the Sponsorship Nights in dining periods. The Treasury Office keeps a list of Barristers who are willing to act as Sponsors to Student Barristers, giving advice and help. Students have a chance to dine with their Sponsors on Sponsorship Nights during term time or on any ordinary night. Apply to the Treasury Office to join the scheme. Please note that the scheme is open to all Students on the Bar Professional Training Course.

Drinks are served to all Students in the Bench Rooms before dinner on Sponsorship Nights when they can meet Sponsors and Benchers.

A welcome party in the Great Hall is held early in the Michaelmas Term to which all London Students are invited and this is also attended by Sponsors; the date is noted in the Diary of Events, as is the date of the Introductory Weekend for Outside London Students, which will also provide an opportunity to meet benchers and Sponsors.

Once you have been allocated a Sponsor, you are responsible for making the arrangements for booking to dine. Bookings are made in the usual way at the Treasury Office. Please ensure that you have confirmed with your Sponsor his/her availability to dine, prior to making the booking. If you have problems in making contact with your Sponsor you must let the Treasury Office know. We cannot help you if you do not tell us you need help!

Please note:
1. Although every attempt will always be made to find a Sponsor within your first chosen area, it cannot be guaranteed.

2. Whenever you change your address, please let your Sponsor know immediately.

* Sponsorship within this Inn is not what is referred to in the "Pupillages and Awards Handbook" and will not exclude you from being eligible for funded pupillage.

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