Development Opportunities & Support

1951 Signing of the UN Refugee Convention

Here you can find information about the support and development opportunities that the NRI offers. We understand how difficult it can be to enter the legal profession, especially for those from disadvantaged or non-traditional backgrounds, that is why the NRI seeks to offer support to those from these backgrounds. From application reviews and mock interviews to Q&As and mentoring.

Eligibility:

  • Be studying a Qualifying Undergraduate Law Degree, the Graduate Diploma in Law, the Barrister Training Course (BTC/BPC/BPTC), the Legal Practice Course, or an equivalent level legal qualification such as CILEx;
  • Be intending to practice as a barrister, solicitor, or legal executive within England & Wales;
  • Not have any personal legal connections (close family members who are practicing or retired barristers or solicitors;
  • Not have attended Oxbridge for your undergraduate degree;
  • Meet any of the following criteria:
    • Minoritised ethnic background
    • LGBTQI+
    • State educated AND in receipt of free school meals AND being supported in higher education via loans/bursaries
    • Disability (incl. mental health and neurodiversity)
    • Single parent
    • Care leaver
    • Estranged from both parents OR adopted
    • History of homelessness

*The NRI retains absolute discretion, if you think you meet the definition of underrepresented or non-traditional background, please contact us so that we can ensure you are not disadvantageously excluded by the above criteria. Equally, we retain the right to exclude you notwithstanding meeting the above criteria.

Applications Support

Reviewing written applications for mini-pupillages, pupillage, scholarships, and other legal experience roles.

Mock Interviews

Offering remote mock interviews, tips, and critical feedback of interview presence and performance in preparation for pupillage and scholarship interviews.

Mentoring

For exceptional candidates, one-to-one mentoring can be offered for help with application cycles, ad hoc advice, and further bespoke support.

Q&A and General Information

Ad hoc discussions, advice, and information on anything from studying and pursuing law to specific questions such as entering the profession from a disadvantaged background.

Public Speaking & Advocacy Workshops

Access to workshops and one-to-one support on public speaking and advocacy, mooting, debating, and ‘court presence’.

Networking Workshops

Access to workshops on how to network, building your legal network, utilising LinkedIn, online presence, and professional communication.

To apply for any of the above support, please send a brief email to nightingalerightsinitiative@gmail.com with the subject ‘Support and Development’ expressing which form/s of support you are interested in – We will get back to you as soon as possible with a full application pack.