Since 2021, the Bar has been a key member of the Queen’s Bright Future Collective, a group of companies which helps enable access to higher education for students from under-represented backgrounds.

The Bar has renewed its commitment to the Pathway bursary fund by pledging a further three years of funding to the programme.

From September 2025 onwards, a new scholarship backed by the Bar will also support students from under-represented backgrounds to complete the barrister programme at the Institute for Professional Legal Studies.

Síofra Healy, head of individual and corporate philanthropy at Queen’s, said: “The Pathway Opportunity Programme is a key widening access initiative here at Queen’s which is further enhanced through the support from organisations and businesses.

“Philanthropic support for the Pathway bursary fund means that almost 500 students each year are supported throughout their education and are able to make the most of opportunities that otherwise might be out of their reach.

“Around 25 law students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are able to take up their studies at Queen’s through Pathway every year, and more importantly, obtain their degree and go on to have successful careers in law.

“Without this support, it simply wouldn’t happen.”

Professor Barbara Jemphrey, director of the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, added: “Scholarships for Bar trainees in NI are investments in the future of the legal profession.

“These scholarships help break down financial barriers and unlock potential, ensuring those with talent are provided with the opportunity to undertake a career at the Bar.”

Donal Lunny KC, chair of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland, said: “The Bar Council is committed to encouraging socioeconomic diversity within the Bar and is confident that doing so benefits not only the profession itself but also our clients and the public at large.

“Many members of the profession, and indeed the judiciary have proven that the aspiration of becoming a first-generation barrister is a truly attainable goal.

“These examples underscore that this is a meritocratic profession which, although requiring hard work, tenacity, and professional expertise in order to succeed, does not additionally depend upon any established socioeconomic status in order to have a career as a barrister.

“The Bar is very proud to renew its financial commitment to the Pathway Bursary Fund with QUB and, in launching a new IPLS scholarship, the Bar is delighted to go even further in its support by helping students from traditionally under-represented areas to undertake the postgraduate study necessary to enter this vibrant and welcoming profession.”