Bridging The Bar

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Bridging The Bar

Bridging the Bar is a charity committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and diversity at the Bar of England and Wales, at all professional levels.

Bridging the Bar (BTB) is a registered Charity, entered on the Register of Charities under the registration number 1190369 with the stated aim of improving diversity and equality of opportunity at the Bar. Conceived in early 2020 by Mass Ndow-Njie as a direct response to his own lived experience as one of very few black pupil barristers across the country, BTB has grown beyond all recognition in i

ts short life through the combined ideas and efforts of its talented and dedicated committee. BTB is steadfast in its approach to increase the equality of access to opportunities in the legal profession across all underrepresented groups. The charity assist students who, owing to their disability, ethnic background, socio-economic background, education or sexuality, belong to groups which are statistically underrepresented in the profession. Over 40 Chambers across England and Wales are now signed up as partners on BTB’s flagship mini-pupillage scheme. However, we at BTB see this as just the start. Equality of opportunity means so much more than just provision of work experience. Equality of opportunity means supporting applicants much earlier in the process, and even after they have secured entry into the profession.

16/12/2025

Bringing the BTB community together on the Thames! 🚤✨

12/12/2025

🎁 Today is Day 12 and it is my final contribution is for those who struggle to contextualise a non-traditional background on their applications.

(I created a minis/pupillage application building blocks sheet for anyone interested)

Recently, I interned at the surrounded by brilliant minds. And yet, I struggled to see how I belonged in that space.

It wasn’t until Vicky Fox told me that my perspective added powerful presence to the round tables. Then it clicked. Imposter syndrome makes you completely blind to your own achievements. It convinces you that you’re occupying a space rather than deserving it.

That’s .

🚫You feel undeserving of the space you earned.
🚫You feel like you’re occupying it rather than belonging in it.
🚫As though someone more “worthy” should be standing where you are.

But here is the truth we often miss:

👍🏼You did not get here despite your background.
🙌🏼You got here because of the skills you had to untraditionally craft alongside your intellectual ability.

🙅🏼Your hardship is not the reason you earned the space.
🙌🏼Your resilience, judgment, adaptability, and self-advocacy are.

You are deserving.
You are worthy.
And you are not a placeholder.

So here is a cheat sheet to help reflect that truth in your applications.

📝 The Rule

You are not explaining hardship: you are evidencing its value!

❌ Don’t Say This ✅ Say This Instead

❌ “I come from a disadvantaged background.”
✅ “Growing up in [context] required early independence and self-advocacy.”

❌ “I struggled a lot.”
✅ “This developed my resilience and ability to perform under pressure.”

❌ “Despite my background, I succeeded.”
✅ “My background sharpened skills directly relevant to advocacy.”

❌ “I had no support.”
✅ “I learned to navigate complex systems independently.”

❌ “This was very difficult for me.”
✅ “This required adaptability, judgment, and persistence.”

If this resonates with you, remember:
You didn’t take someone else’s place.

✨You earned yours.✨

📩 DM me for the COMPLETE cheat sheet persistence.”

11/12/2025

Yesterday at 4 New Square, I, Nursah Maria Demi, and Sana Patel saw clearly that a “non-traditional background” is not a disadvantage at the Commercial Bar.

It’s a competitive edge.

Why? Because some of us had to develop adaptability, resourcefulness, and fast problem-solving long before we ever opened a law textbook. Those skills don’t replace traditional strengths; they add to them.
And in the yesterday’s written assessment, that combination produced realistic answers that were pragmatic, client-focused, and legally sound. Exactly what the Commercial Bar demands.

It was a reminder that:
• intellectual capability exists everywhere,
• opportunity does not, and
• people behind the scenes matter more than we realise.

Which brings me to Maria Lawson-Murray - who I learned yesterday is the sole powerhouse behind marketing, organising, and managing minis at 4NS. Thank you to the all Chambers, barristers, and staff collaborating with to make access real.

For today’s , I’m sharing a Mini-Pupillage Deadline Calendar for aspiring barristers who deserve the chance to show their capability.

Use the December–March calendars as practical tools for anyone managing work, study, caring responsibilities, or simply a crowded schedule.

Reply underneath to receive the monthly calendars!

10/12/2025

Hi everyone! Welcome to Day 10! Today I am at and attending their December mini-pupillage. Here below is what I learnt from their Specialisms talk and Life as a Pupil/Tenant session!

📝 Mini-Pupillage Day at 4 New Square (10/12/2025) - What I Learnt (Soft Skills Edition)

✅ Stay calm under pressure : even when things feel hectic, composure matters.
👥 Client interaction is more than lawyering : listening, clear communication, and empathy count.
⚖️ Quality over speed : precise, well-thought-out arguments beat rushed work every time.
🧠 Well-being from the start : managing stress, staying alert, and pacing yourself matters for longevity.
📚 In future pupillage applications, reference real cases and show how you engaged with the judgment : it shows preparation, initiative and insight.
✍️ Keep your submissions short, punchy and tailored to busy barristers : clarity is respect for their time.
🌟 Combine talent with ambition: show you care about the craft, the client and the Bar.

Mini-pupillage isn’t just an insight into chambers : it’s a powerful insight to what it takes to be a good barrister from day one.

I will briefly talk about it more on tomorrow’s episode!

24/10/2025

Put your hands together for the 10 Bridging the Bar candidates selected for an internship at the UK Supreme Court! 🌟🎉

A huge thank you to the for collaborating with Bridging the Bar on this incredible opportunity, which will provide our interns with hands-on experience at the highest court in the United Kingdom.

Swipe to meet the interns!

24/10/2025

Put your hands together for the 10 Bridging the Bar candidates selected for an internship at the UK Supreme Court! 🌟🎉

A huge thank you to the for collaborating with Bridging the Bar on this fantastic opportunity, which will provide our interns with hands-on experience at the highest court in the United Kingdom.

Swipe to meet our interns!

18/10/2025

Team BTB at today's Pupillage Fair ! Come and say hello to learn more about the Bridging the Bar Academy Programme!

Applications for the 2026/27 BTB Academy open on 20th October 2025. Find out more here: https://bridgingthebar.org/academy/

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