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 until you are eligible (have started the Bar Training Course). Marshalling is rarely arranged for Pre-BTC and Post-BTC members of the Inn but they should be aware that priority is granted to current students, however, others are welcome to apply, with allocations being made on a first-come, first-served basis.
• 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. A member of the Education Department will be in touch via email if an appropriate placement is found.
• 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.

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

Term dates

2024

Hilary: Thursday 11 January to Wednesday 27 March 2024
Easter: Tuesday 9 April to Friday 24 May 2024
Trinity: Tuesday 4 June to Wednesday 31 July 2024
Michaelmas: Tuesday 1 October to Friday 20 December 2024

Mentoring Scheme

This scheme is open to all student members who are currently studying on the Bar Training 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. 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 Training Course are eligible to apply for the scheme, however if you’re not starting the course this year but remain interested, please reach out, as allocations are based on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.