Sackman: Helping to train the next generation of barristers
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has pledged £1.5m a year to help fund up to 100 additional pupillages annually in criminal law.
The money is in addition to the existing match-funding scheme run by the Council of the Inns of Court (COIC) but has a narrower focus.
While the COIC scheme covers all chambers and other approved training organisations predominantly engaged in legally aided work, the MoJ scheme is focused on chambers that mainly do criminal legally aided work.
It means chambers that would have only taken on one pupil will have the backing to hire two.
Chambers receiving MoJ funding will also be expected to incorporate equal opportunity measures into their recruitment practices through targeted outreach and steps to increase representation in the profession.
The COIC scheme has been running since 2014, when 14 pupillages were match funded, a figure which had risen to 33 by 2023. COIC will run the MoJ scheme too.
Matched-funded pupillages must in addition to those chambers would have offered in any event.
COIC and the MoJ will match pupillage funding provided by chambers for the first six months with a total grant of £12,400 for 2027-2028 London pupillages and £11,350 outside the capital.
The figures will rise to £13,500 and £12,350 respectively for 2028-29.
Chambers are responsible for ensuring that the total pupillage award meets the Bar Standards Board’s minimum award for the year in question.
In 2026, the minimum award is £25,863 for 12-month pupillages in London and £23,504 elsewhere.
Justice minister Sarah Sackman said: “I’ll never forget the day I was called to the Bar. It was a privilege to enter a profession that can help individuals in times of crisis and support the delivery of justice in this country. I want those opportunities open to the brightest people from all over the country and every background.
“This major initiative will help train the next generation of criminal barristers who are essential to upholding the rule of law and delivering swifter justice for victims.”
In a joint statement, Riel Karmy-Jones KC, chair, and Andrew Thomas KC, chair-elect of the Criminal Bar Association, said: “This is a very positive step forward. The criminal justice system needs a vibrant diverse and independent criminal Bar to strengthen public cohesion.”
They said the funding would support the Bar’s efforts to recruit from “the widest possible pool of candidates”.
Bar Council chair Kirsty Brimelow KC added: “We welcome the implementation of this initiative, the result of joint working between the Ministry of Justice, the Bar Council, the Criminal Bar Association and the Inns of Courts.
“It has been championed by the Bar Council since 2024 where it featured in our ‘Manifesto for justice’.”