The Inderpal Rahal Memorial Trust - The Inderpal Rahal Memorial Trust

What you get

You will receive a one-off grant of about 2,350 EUR (£2,000) to enable you to undertake your training and qualify as a lawyer in the United Kingdom. The grant covers the costs of the bar or solicitor examinations, the barrister’s training year (the training year for prospective barristers), training as a solicitor, or another legal placement or research position in the United Kingdom or abroad. The grant is provided by the Inderpal Rahal Memorial Trust, a UK charity run by the law firm Garden Court Chambers in London, which was established in memory of Inderpal Rahal, a young barrister at the firm. One grant is awarded each year, and sometimes two; the decision is made in the summer. This grant does not cover the cost of an initial law degree.

Who can apply

• Gender: You are a woman.
• Background: You have a migrant or refugee background.
• Money: You are facing financial difficulties and are unable to cover the full cost of your education.
• Your plan: You intend to practise as a solicitor or teach law in the United Kingdom.
• Stage of study: You have completed your first law degree and are now starting your professional training, for example by sitting exams, undertaking a legal traineeship or training to become a solicitor.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.

How to apply

Please email the Foundation to request an application form. The application period begins in March. The deadline for applications is towards the end of April (19 April in 2024, 23 April in 2021). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in May or June, and the award will be announced in the summer.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is very narrowly defined. Only women from migrant or refugee backgrounds who are in financial hardship and wish to undertake legal training in the United Kingdom are eligible to apply – so the pool of applicants is small. Only one, and occasionally two, grants are awarded each year, which keeps competition high amongst eligible applicants. If you clearly meet all the criteria and can provide evidence of your financial hardship, your prospects are good – so do apply as soon as the application form becomes available in March.