Marshalling & Mentoring

Marshalling Scheme

Marshalling involves a student accompanying a judge at a particular court over a one to three day period. It allows students to gain a real insight into the daily workings of the court, and how judges consider and manage cases. It also deepens understanding of the law. Our judicial members participating in the scheme do so voluntarily and warmly receive marshals, who have the chance to see court proceedings from a whole new perspective. Students are also able to discuss the case with the judge, give opinions and, most importantly, learn from those at the court.

Please note the following:

• Do not apply unless you are eligible (are a current Bar Course student).
• Only submit the application form once, multiple entries will be ignored.
• Please note that placements are not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate as many students as possible.
• Preference is given to students who have not marshalled with a judge in any capacity previously.
• Although every attempt will always be made to find a placement within your first chosen area of law, it cannot be guaranteed.
• Travel and accommodation will not be reimbursed and is at the discretion of the student.

Marshalling allocation is done by academic term and the dates chosen must adhere to this time period.

Applications for Hilary term 2026 are now open. To apply for this scheme, please click here. The deadline to apply for this scheme is Thursday 05 February at 09:00 am.

Applications for Easter & Trinity term 2026 will open on Thursday 19 March. The deadline to apply will be Monday 13 April at 09:00 am.

Mentoring Scheme

This scheme is open to all student members who are currently studying on the Bar Course , but is not compulsory.  Students on the scheme are matched with a practising barrister, who will give advice on all aspects of a career at the Bar. Students are assigned a mentor for the duration of their Bar Course, so we advise students to apply for this scheme as early into their course as possible to take full advantage.

It is entirely up to mentors and their students to decide how and when they meet, and there are some opportunities to meet up at Domus Dinners throughout the year. Members of the Bar take part in this scheme voluntarily and are in great demand so please ensure that you intend to be fully involved in the scheme before applying. If you have problems in making contact with your mentor you must let the Education Department know.

Only those currently on the Bar Course are eligible to apply for the scheme. Students who are intending to begin the Bar Course in the next 6 months can apply for this scheme, however, they will not be matched with a mentor until the point at which  will start the course.

Please note the following:

• Although every attempt will always be made to find a mentor within your first chosen area, it cannot be guaranteed.
• Whenever you change your contact details, please let the Inn and your mentor know immediately.
• Mentoring within this Inn is not monetary and so will not exclude you from being eligible for funded pupillage or scholarship.
• A mentor cannot arrange pupillage for you.
• The allocation of a mentor is not necessary for an introduction to a bencher for call to the Bar.

Application Form
To apply for the scheme please complete and submit the application form below.