Eradicating barriers to the Bar

Hello, I am Joe, the first in my family to attend university and a recent Law graduate. I studied law with the primary objective of qualifying as a barrister and utilising the skills and knowledge gained through my law degree to join a profession that has both impact and purpose. Throughout my studies this aspiration has remained undimmed and having undertaken mini-pupillages (work experience in barrister's chambers) I am absolutely committed to acheiving my goal of becoming a barrister. I cannot imagine myself doing anything else, this profession means everything to me and whilst I understand it has challenges, the pros far outweigh the cons in my opinion.

Unfortunately, obtaining funding for postgraduate courses is extremely difficult, this is especially the case at present, where owing to high inflation, many student loan providers are not currently lending. I have exhausted ALL conceivable avenues of potential funding, from high-street banks down to private lenders such as Future Finance. Regrettably, none of these options are open to me, and so I am launching this campaign to raise the tuition fees of £15,000 for the Bar Training Course- the nine-month programme all aspiring barristers must take in order to qualify. I have been offered a place on the Bar Training Course at UWE Bristol, and the only potential impediment to my ultimate success is finance. I believe passionately in the potential of education to change lives, and surely merit, not financial status, should determine success or failure? I have spent an inheritance I was left on obtaining my law degree, I have demonstrated a sustained and consistent commitment to my chosen profession, through work placements and academic acheivement.

I am steadfastly committed to the Bar; having experienced adversity in my own life I know only too well the challenges and struggles many face in their lives. This desire to be part of a profession that has a tangible impact on people's lives, everyday, is what drives me and continues to drive me. ANY donations, be they large or small, would go some way to ensuring that all of my training and striving to date has not been in vain. I hope very much that I can count on your support and thank you for your generosity and investment in training me to become an effective barrister. The funds raised will be used to pay the programme fees, which are £15,000. I have been able to secure some government funding for maintenance and accommodation. ALL donations received will be used to fund the programme itself. Any support would be greatly appreciated. This has been my dream for a long time now, I really hope that lack of funding does not prohibit me from making it a reality.