Gray's Inn

08/10/2026

Last night, a new portrait of our historic Member, Edith Hesling, was unveiled at the Inn.

Edith Hesling was first woman to be Called to the Bar at Gray's Inn in 1923. She was also the first woman to be elected to the Northern Circuit, practising from Chambers in Manchester, the first to preside over a County Court and the first woman barrister to have a daughter Called to the Bar.

The portrait, painted by artist Keith Breeden, was unveiled by the Treasurer alongside Hesling's great-granddaughter, Deborah Airey, who is also a barrister Member of Gray’s Inn.

We were delighted to also welcome a number of pioneering women from our membership to the unveiling, including Benchers Lady Brenda Hale, HHJ Anuja Dhir and Honorary Bencher Dana Denis-Smith OBE.

📷 Master Christopher Russell.
Pictured: Master Treasurer, The Rt Hon Sir Andrew McFarlane, and Deborah Airey.

08/10/2026

📚 Read the Gray’s Inn Student Law Journal, Volume XVIII (2026)

Published annually, the journal brings together insightful essays, articles, case notes, and book reviews written by Gray’s Inn student members.

Read the latest edition: https://ow.ly/ss1q50ZG95a

Interested in making a submission for the next edition? The Association of Gray's Inn students (AGIS) will release a call for papers for the 2027 journal in November.

The Gray’s Inn Student Law Journal is an annual collection of legal essays, articles, case-notes or book reviews on any legal subject written by student Members of the Inn. Read the latest publication – Student Law Journal, Volume XVIII (2026) (PDF). The journal is published here and in print ea...

07/10/2026

📢 Build your route into arbitration and ADR 📢

The Michael Mustill Scholarships fund training, research and placement opportunities in Alternative Dispute Resolution – helping Members strengthen their pupillage applications with specialist experience. ⚖️✨

🔗 Apply now: https://www.graysinn.org.uk/michael-mustill-scholarships-now-available/

06/10/2026

❓ Will a disability or chronic health condition mean extra costs as you complete your course or pupillage?

The H**e Plunkett Scholarship is here to help cover those additional costs, so you can focus on performing at your best.

To apply, send a short letter to our Scholarships team covering:
✅ What the additional expenditure is (e.g. software, equipment, treatment costs)
✅ Why it's necessary to complete your course or pupillage
✅ How much it's likely to cost, in detail

📅 Apply by Friday 9 October: https://www.graysinn.org.uk/scholarships/other-scholarships-and-prizes/

05/10/2026

⏰ Final call – applications close at 12pm today for the Foundations Scheme

Are you a new GDL or Bar Course student aspiring to the Bar, from a non-traditional or underrepresented background? The Foundations Scheme could give you the mentoring, training and support to help you succeed.

This is your last chance to apply before the deadline - don't miss out on this opportunity to take the next step in your journey.

🔗 Apply now: https://www.graysinn.org.uk/education/students/career-development/foundations/

02/10/2026

Meet Our Member: The Rt Hon Sir Andrew McFarlane ⚖️

Called to the Bar by Gray's Inn in 1977, Sir Andrew McFarlane retired in April 2026 after a transformative tenure as President of the Family Division and Head of Family Justice. He is our current Treasurer for 2026, leading the Inn as part of a long line of distinguished Members who have shaped its history.

Reflecting on the Inn, Sir Andrew said: "Gray's is a very friendly community. Young and old, judge, barrister, whoever we are, we are Members of Gray's... we trust and respect each other and form a very wholesome professional community."

Read more on our Members: https://www.graysinn.org.uk/the-inn/our-members/

01/10/2026

The Inn's support goes further than our GDL, Bar Course, and Pupillage Scholarships - with a range of additional scholarships and prizes available.

One of these, the H**e Plunkett Scholarship, helps cover additional costs for students and pupils who face extra expenditure due to a disability or chronic health condition.

If you require additional support due to these conditions, apply today: https://www.graysinn.org.uk/scholarships/other-scholarships-and-prizes/

01/10/2026

The Foundations Scheme offers aspiring barristers from underrepresented groups the tools, guidance and community they need to succeed at the Bar.

Eligible? You should be:

✅ A new GDL or Bar Course student
✅ Intending to practise at the Bar of England & Wales
✅ From a UK non-selective state school (or meet other social mobility indicators)
✅ Someone with little to no previous access to legal work experience

💡 Mentoring 💡 Skills training 💡 Networking opportunities

📅 Applications close 5 October at 12pm.
🔗 Apply now: https://www.graysinn.org.uk/education/students/career-development/foundations/

30/09/2026

Interested in a career in Alternative Dispute Resolution? The Michael Mustill Scholarships could help fund your next opportunity. ⏳

Awarded in memory of Michael Mustill and delivered in partnership with the IDRC – one of the world's leading arbitration facilities – these scholarships support Members building experience in ADR and arbitration.

✅ Identify your placement or opportunity
✅ Provide evidence & estimated costs
✅ Submit your application before the deadline!

🔗 Find out more and apply now: https://www.graysinn.org.uk/michael-mustill-scholarships-now-available/

29/09/2026

✨ Every barrister's journey starts somewhere.

This unique programme supports talented students from diverse backgrounds, helping them prepare for the Bar with training, mentoring and networking opportunities from a practising barrister.

If you're committed to your future at the Bar, take that first step today.

📌 Applications close 5 October at 12pm
🔗 Apply now: https://www.graysinn.org.uk/education/students/career-development/foundations/