2024 Bar Scholarship

The Guru Nanak Social Mobility Scholarships is a joint project between Mukhtiar Singh and the Sikh Education Council.

To improve social mobility in professions perceived to be out of reach for those from poorer backgrounds. This will be achieved through financial awards, mentoring and work placements.
To encourage a wider understanding of Sikh jurisprudence by considering whether society may learn from Sikhism for the benefit of us all.

The first scholarship was the Bar Scholarship which has run since 2018. There may also be scholarships for other professions in the future.

Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply as long as they meet the following criteria:

A strong commitment to a career at the Bar. Applicants will be expected to be studying law at degree level (or GDL or equivalent); or studying or about to study the Bar Professional Training Course; or have completed the Bar Practice Course but are yet to secure pupillage.
The potential to become a barrister. This will be tested by the application itself, including the presentation.
Financial and social disadvantage. This will be for the Applicant to demonstrate, who must be prepared to provide further details and documentary evidence upon request. State school education alone is not sufficient. Examples of disadvantage include, but are not limited to:

Qualifying for free school meals.
Living in, or having lived in at relevant times, social housing.
Please note that these are only examples. Anyone in doubt over whether they may meet this criterion should contact Mukhtiar Singh at m.singh@doughtystreet.co.uk If you are advised that you meet the criterion, then this is on the basis that you will provide verification in accordance with the application process.

By 9AM on 2 August 2024, applicants should provide by email to m.singh@doughtystreet.co.uk.

The Application form, references and a 1 page covering letter.
A 5 to 10 minute video presentation on the question, “Why I should be awarded a Guru Nanak Social Mobility Bar Scholarship ?" As a guide:

It is at the applicant’s discretion how to make the video presentation although given that we are assessing, amongst other criteria, your potential as a barrister, we expect you to appear on the screen.
You may use visual aids at your discretion.
We expect the best candidates to address the aims and the criteria of the scholarships.
Applicants should focus on quality as opposed to the length of the presentation, although it must be at least 5 minutes).

If you are unable to send the presentation as an email attachment, you may provide a link to where it can be downloaded.
The applications will be considered and further information may be requested. There may be brief interviews.
It is hoped that the results will be published within two months of the deadline and mentoring will start around November 2024.

There will be up to five prizes of £555 and up to 12 months of mentoring.
Depending on the quantity and quality of applications, some work experience may be offered.
Anyone fitting the criteria who has made a genuine attempt at the presentation will be offered assistance with their pupillage application forms.
Chambers and firms willing to provide work placements should please contact Mukhtiar Singh at m.singh@doughtystreet.co.uk

n the spirit of the legal profession, and in the spirit of Sikhism, award winners/runner ups who subsequently secure pupillage through the scheme (“the Scholars”) will be expected to participate in the scheme including providing mentoring and helping with mock interviews. This has proven to be the case thus far.
Further, it is hoped that as the scheme develops, Scholars will lead engagement in state schools with the Sikh Education Council to encourage the very best potential to consider a career in the Bar, whatever their background.
The Guru Nanak Social Mobility Scholarships may be available in other professions: please contact me or the Sikh Education Council if you wish to register your interest.
Previous applicants can re-apply except for first prize winners.

Questions about the Bar Scholarship or the scholarships generally should be directed to Mukhtiar Singh at m.singh@doughtystreet.co.uk.

Please find below the form and guidelines for the process:

MUKHTIAR SINGH