Astraea Group is pleased to participate in the “Access to the Bar Placement Scheme” this summer. The Scheme is intended to widen and encourage access to the Bar for those who are presently under-represented in the profession, especially state educated, non-Oxbridge applicants.
Under the Scheme aspiring entrants benefit from a placement with barristers funded by The Middle Temple to experience both preparation for and work as an advocate. James Ramsden QC of Astraea Group commented:
This is an important scheme. It has long been the case that the Bar, whilst recognising the need to diversify its recruitment, frequently and unconsciously recruits in its own image. This scheme should start to address that issue. Placements at Astraea Group will also show applicants that a career as an advocate does not necessarily need to be in conventional barristers’ chambers. Credit is due to Richard Frost and his colleagues at Middle Temple, and to the Inn for funding this scheme.