I believe that a career at the Bar should be open to those of real ability regardless of their social, ethnic or financial background and not limited to the privileged few. The opportunity to succeed in a career at the Bar should be open to those of ability and not closed to them because they do not have the necessary economic or social support. Debt and a lack of financial support are genuine barriers to those of ability who want to become a barrister.  

I'm a comprehensive school boy.  I was lucky enough to study law in an age when there were no university fees and almost everyone got a maintenance grant. When I went to Bar School I was entitled to Housing Benefit and Income Support because it was a vocational course.  I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to have a successful career at the Bar but the state privileges that I enjoyed and which made a career at the Bar a possibility for me have been removed.

I am running the London Marathon to raise money for the Middle Temple Trust Funds.  This is a fantastic charity whose purpose is to ensure that those of real ability are not precluded from coming to the Bar by a lack of resources. In 2015 Middle Temple provided just under £1million in scholarships.  In other words it provided opportunity and hope.  

Without this support a career at the Bar will be limited to those who can afford it.  That cannot be right. I hope that our contributions mean that this worthwhile cause can continue supporting the next generation of aspiring barristers. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  Donate generously if you can or share this to let people know about the opportunities that are out there. Let's help break down barriers.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.