7 King’s Bench Walk recognises the vital importance of improving diversity at the Bar and ensuring it is accessible to, and inclusive of, the society it serves. We are committed to the fair recruitment of the best candidates from the widest possible pool of talent.
As part of this commitment, we participate in the 10,000 Black Interns Project, Pegasus Access and Support Scheme (PASS) and the Bar Placement Scheme, all of which are designed to expand opportunities for students from under-represented groups to experience life in Chambers. 7 King’s Bench Walk is also an active participant in the Combar Student Mentoring scheme, which enables applicants from backgrounds that have traditionally been under-represented to access one-to-one mentoring with Commercial Bar practitioners. Members of Chambers are also involved in mentoring to support students from non-traditional backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a career in law, and in particular at the Bar, including through schemes operated by IntoUniversity, Combar, the Bar Council, City University, and the Inns of Court.
In selecting candidates for both pupillage and mini-pupillage, we use background information, obtained and analysed through the Rare Contextual Recruitment system, in our assessment process. This enables us to take account of the background and circumstances of each candidate in considering the extent to which that candidate fulfils the criteria for selection.
We assess candidates for pupillage and tenancy on merit alone. However, we recognise that women, members of ethnic minorities, LGBT+ and those with disabilities are disproportionately under-represented at the Commercial Bar, including within 7 King’s Bench Walk. We particularly welcome applications from candidates within such groups.
We will make reasonable adjustments to the application process for pupillage and tenancy for disabled applicants.
See more information about pupillage.