Mentoring scheme for underrepresented aspiring commercial barristers reopens with record number of chambers

Gatehouse Chambers is proud to support this year’s Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR) Mentoring Scheme, which champions diversity at the Commercial Bar. With a record 26 leading commercial sets participating, the initiative continues to grow in reach and impact.

COMBAR’s programme offers around 250 aspiring barristers the chance to receive up to five one-to-one mentoring sessions with barristers from some of the country’s leading commercial sets.

As part of the scheme, participants will be invited to a pupillage interview and application workshop, along with a social event planned for early next year. Last year’s event, held at Gray’s Inn, featured a keynote speech by Mr Justice Henshaw, the Judge in Charge of the Commercial Court, delivered to an audience of around 175 mentees.

All participating chambers will cover reasonable travel expenses for their allocated mentees, though sessions can also be held remotely if preferred.

Applicants wishing to participate in the scheme are requested to download and complete the application form which can be found here.  Completed application forms must be saved as a PDF with the naming convention “First Name – Surname” and emailed to socialmobility@combar.com by Friday 17 October 2025.  Applicants will be informed as to whether or not they have been accepted onto the scheme within November 2025.  Due to the number of applicants applying for the scheme, it will unfortunately not be possible to give individual feedback as to why an application may have been unsuccessful, though unsuccessful applicants are welcome to re-apply in subsequent years.

Full details of the scheme can be found at the Scheme Guidelines which can be found here.  Any other questions should be directed to the following email address: socialmobility@combar.com.