We take the view that training to become a barrister should not be restricted to those with the independent financial means to afford it. We strongly believe that those with the very best potential to succeed at the Bar should be encouraged and supported during their pupillage and the crucial early years in this profession. We recruit solely on merit.
In order to ensure that limited means do not defeat unlimited aspiration, our pupillage award remains in excess of that required by the Bar Council. The overall award is up to £40,000 over the period of pupillage and comprises:
In addition, Mountford covers the cost of all compulsory training courses as required by the profession’s regulators and we encourage our pupils to take the time necessary to prepare fully for the vital advocacy training provided by the Inns.
We also recognise that a busy criminal practice requires frequent travel to courts the length and breadth of London and, sometimes, nationally. We aim to ensure that pupils remain in and around London but if a case on circuit would provide an exceptional and unusual learning opportunity, the cost of travel can be reclaimed from chambers.
In the event that a second six pupil covers a case on circuit for a member of chambers, travel is either booked in advance by chambers for the pupil or can be reclaimed from chambers if advance booking is not possible. Ultimately, the costs are reclaimed by chambers from the tenant whose case is being looked after.