02 September 2026
Up to 100 more pupillages for criminal barristers could be provided each year, under a match-funding scheme boosted by £1.5m funding from Ministry of Justice
Chambers can apply to receive matched funding from this week until 16 October. Decisions will be communicated to chambers in the first week of November.
Welcoming the initiative, Bar Council chair Kirsty Brimelow KC said: ‘The funding of additional criminal pupillages is a necessary step towards fortifying the long-term pipeline of junior criminal barristers. This, in turn, supports the criminal justice system which, in turn, supports complainants, witnesses and defendants by helping to reduce delays caused by a depleted criminal barrister workforce.’
