The Council of the Inns of Court (COIC) welcomes applications for matched funding for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 pupillages
The COIC Pupillage Matched Funded Scheme (PMF) helps provide additional pupillages in Chambers, and other approved training organisations, predominantly engaged in legally aided work. Encouragingly, a growing number of Chambers are applying for COIC matched funded grants.
“COIC works with the Inns of Court in strengthening the rule of law through excellence in professional and ethical education and in maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct. As an AETO funded primarily through publicly funded advocacy, Furnival Chambers especially welcomes the opportunity enabled by the COIC’s Matched Funding scheme. Furnival Chambers’ pupillage selection process is focused upon intellectual ability, analytical skills, advocacy abilities (written and oral), temperament and interpersonal skills, and commitment to the Bar. The COIC Matched Funding scheme allows us to fund and support more pupils (4 per year, and therefore also allows greater scope still for inclusivity and diversity. We are hugely grateful for this initiative, and will continue to reciprocate with COIC towards our common goals.”
– Julian Bradley, Chambers Manager, Furnival Chambers
“At Mountford Chambers, pupillage marks the start of a transformative journey, one that challenges, inspires and shapes the foundation of a lasting career in criminal advocacy. We offer 12 to 18 month pupillages grounded in criminal law, but shaped by the diversity of our work. Our Chambers is defined by a strong sense of community, uncompromising standards and a forward-thinking commitment to the evolving demands of modern criminal practice.
We invest deeply in our pupils. Training is structured, supportive and practical. Pupils are exposed to serious work and mentored by leading practitioners throughout. Our members invest significant time and care in both pupillage and mini pupillage, ensuring that each candidate receives meaningful insight, guidance and support.
Our application process is transparent and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds who can demonstrate sharp thinking, integrity and a commitment to advocacy. At Mountford Chambers, you’re not just learning the job, you are learning how to thrive in it.
We are incredibly grateful for initiatives like COIC’s matched funding scheme, which plays a crucial role in enabling us to offer high-quality pupillage programmes and continue investing in the future of the profession.”
– Alan Kent KC, Head of Pupillage, Mountford Chambers
How the scheme works
It is a prerequisite of the scheme that chambers understand that matched funded pupillages are in addition to those they would have offered in any event. COIC match pupillage funding already provided by chambers with a total grant of £12,000 for 2026-2027 London pupillages and £11,000 for 2026-2027 out of London pupillages and, £12,400 for 2027-28 London pupillages and £11,350 for 2027-28 out of London pupillages, to fund the first six months of a second pupillage. Chambers are responsible for ensuring that the total pupillage award meets the BSB’s minimum award for the year in question.
How to apply
- Applications are invited between Monday 1 September – Friday 17 October 2025
- Decisions will be communicated during the week commencing 3 November 2025
- Online applications can be made applications can be made on the COIC website
- To find out more, please email Hayley Dawes