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.
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 is responsible for ensuring that the total pupillage award meets the BSB’s minimum award for the year in question.
How to apply
Applications to match fund 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 pupillages are invited between Monday, 1 September, and Friday, 17 October 2025. Decisions will be communicated during the week commencing Monday, 3 November 2025. Online applications can be made at www.coic.org.uk/pupillage-matched-funding.
To find out more, please email Hayley Dawes at COIC on hdawes@coic.org.uk
Author: Mrs Justice Lieven, Chair, COIC Pupillage Matched Funding Grants Committee
Testimonials
COIC collaborates with the Inns of Court to strengthen the rule of law through excellence in professional and ethical education, and to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. As a BSB Authorised Education and Training Organisation (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 focuses on intellectual ability, analytical skills, advocacy abilities (both written and oral), temperament, interpersonal skills, and a commitment to the Bar. The COIC Matched Funding scheme enables us to fund and support more pupils (four per year), thereby also allowing for greater scope 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 are 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
