Trainee barristers

Pupillage is a gruelling and demanding process. Not only is it mentally and physically draining, but there is no guarantee of a tenancy at the end of the process. The Kalisher Trust aims to support those undertaking the challenge of pupillage in two key ways.

Kalisher Mentoring Programme

The Trust’s mentoring scheme, which launched in early 2021, is currently offered to all those who hold, or who have held, an award or internship with us and who have not yet reached tenancy.  This is a pilot scheme and we intend to expand it from 2022, once we have assessed this initial phase.  

We have a unique resource in our Kalisher family, whose experience ranges from members of the senior judiciary through to recent tenants.  All are united by their enthusiasm and commitment, and they will form a mentoring team ready to guide their mentees as they navigate to a career at the criminal Bar.  The Kalisher Trust’s mission is to inform and support young people from under-represented demographics, working towards a more diverse Bar and bench which properly reflects the society it serves.  Our mentees will work with two mentors: one principal mentor, drawn from the practising Bar, and one supporting mentor, drawn from the judiciary.

Our approach as a Trust is to pool our knowledge, passing on the experience and insights our Trustees and wider group of volunteers has amassed.  We know that we need to work harder than ever to ensure that the next generation of barristers is drawn from every part of our society, bringing with them the talent and the life experiences which will make them outstanding advocates.  Working as a public servant, as the mouthpiece of some of the vulnerable in society, needs those with integrity, determination, and a lasting commitment to justice.  We are confident that our work identifies and supports those with these qualities, and are pleased to take the first steps in providing a mentoring scheme for our award-holders.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact us at [email protected].

Kalisher / Bridging the Bar Mini-Pupillages

In 2022, Kalisher worked with the charity Bridging the Bar (BTB) to deliver mini-pupillages for those seeking a career at the criminal Bar, as part of BTB’s wider mini-pupillage programme which covers all areas of the Bar.  We placed 10 aspiring barristers in criminal sets of chambers across England and Wales, and are pleased to be working with our colleagues at BTB on this programme.

Those considering applications for 2023 should go to Bridging the Bar’s website which has all the details of the scheme: https://bridgingthebar.org/our-programmes/ 

Kalisher Advocacy Programme

Firstly, the Trust runs a coveted advocacy programme, open to those who meet the Trust’s criteria. The programme is a series of sessions culminating in a mock hearing at the Central Criminal Court. Those who undertake the programme are in a good position to excel in pupillage and be on their feet in their second six.

Kalisher Essay Competition

We also run an annual essay competition for pupils at criminal chambers. The first prize is usually £2000. A title is chosen on a topical subject that impacts directly on the work of the criminal practitioner. Chambers are invited to support their entrants at £100 per pupil. Each essay must be no more than 2000 words long.

The entries are judged by the Kalisher Trustees, and the prizes are presented at a Kalisher event.