Inns of Court Bar Scholarship Interview
Hi. I've just been offered an interview for Lincoln's for a bar scholarship interview. I've done some googling for how to best approach these interviews but if anyone has any particular advice specifically about Lincoln's that'd be great (or any advice in general really).
Reply 1
Original post
by GretinHi. I've just been offered an interview for Lincoln's for a bar scholarship interview. I've done some googling for how to best approach these interviews but if anyone has any particular advice specifically about Lincoln's that'd be great (or any advice in general really).
Reply 2
Original post
by GretinHi. I've just been offered an interview for Lincoln's for a bar scholarship interview. I've done some googling for how to best approach these interviews but if anyone has any particular advice specifically about Lincoln's that'd be great (or any advice in general really).
It's possible that you might be asked whether you have a particular interest in Chancery practice, whether traditional or modern. Lincoln's Inn is traditionally the home of the Chancery Bar.
The Lord Chancellor used to hold Court in the Old Hall of Lincoln's Inn when the courts at Westminster Hall were closed. That was before the building, in the late C19, of the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand, as the fusion of law and equity was taking place. Nowadays, the Chancery Division of the High Court, part of the Business and Property Courts, sits in the Rolls Building off Fetter Lane.
As to traditional Chancery, I suggest that you read or re-read Chapter 1 of Bleak House by Charles Dickens, and Chapters 25 and 28 of The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope, remembering that the Chancery law and practice depicted in those novels pre-dates the Judicature Acts and the sweeping legal reforms of the late C19. I attach links below.
The old ways are dead, but not forgotten. As Maitland said (of the common law, rather than of equity, but the point has some application to both), "the forms of action govern us from their graves". Lincoln's Inn has a long memory.
Mr Dove of Counsel and his instructing solicitor Mr Camperdown in The Eustace Diamonds are two of the most realistic lawyers in literary fiction. Trollope's description of Mr Dove tells you something about being a barrister. Mr Dove's Opinion, set out in chapter 25, was written for Trollope by a practising Chancery barrister in the late 1860s. There remains some debate about whether or not Mr Dove's Opinion is correct.
If you pop into the Portuguese Ambassador's Church of St Anselm and St Cecilia on Kingsway, a pretty church close to Mishcon de Reya's offices, you can see a statue of Sir Thomas More, who was Lord Chancellor in the 1530s, before he had his head chopped off.
For the interview, just be yourself. Listen carefully to the questions you are asked, and think for a moment before answering. The interviewers are not trying to catch you out, but please answer the question you are asked, and not some other question you might wish to have been asked.
I have mentioned the historical and literary stuff above not because the interviewers will expect you to be an expert on such things, but because they might be interested in why you have chosen Lincoln's Inn, and because a barrister should, I think, be learned in many things and not just learned in the law.
Practically, having a familiarity with what traditional and modern Chancery practice involves may be of use. Please ask me if you are unsure about that subject.
I'm a member of Lincoln's Inn ad eundem (by incorporation), but also a member of the Middle Temple. I used to practise more common law than equity, but these days I practise more equity than common law. I don't sit on the interview panel of any Inn of Court, but I do interview pupillage applicants for my chambers.
Good luck!
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1023/1023-h/1023-h.htm#c1
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/anthony-trollope/the-eustace-diamonds/text/chapter-25
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/anthony-trollope/the-eustace-diamonds/text/chapter-28
Reply 3
Gretin
OP
3
Original post
by Stiffy ByngIt's possible that you might be asked whether you have a particular interest in Chancery practice, whether traditional or modern. Lincoln's Inn is traditionally the home of the Chancery Bar.
The Lord Chancellor used to hold Court in the Old Hall of Lincoln's Inn when the courts at Westminster Hall were closed. That was before the building, in the late C19, of the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand, as the fusion of law and equity was taking place. Nowadays, the Chancery Division of the High Court, part of the Business and Property Courts, sits in the Rolls Building off Fetter Lane.
As to traditional Chancery, I suggest that you read or re-read Chapter 1 of Bleak House by Charles Dickens, and Chapters 25 and 28 of The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope, remembering that the Chancery law and practice depicted in those novels pre-dates the Judicature Acts and the sweeping legal reforms of the late C19. I attach links below.
The old ways are dead, but not forgotten. As Maitland said (of the common law, rather than of equity, but the point has some application to both), "the forms of action govern us from their graves". Lincoln's Inn has a long memory.
Mr Dove of Counsel and his instructing solicitor Mr Camperdown in The Eustace Diamonds are two of the most realistic lawyers in literary fiction. Trollope's description of Mr Dove tells you something about being a barrister. Mr Dove's Opinion, set out in chapter 25, was written for Trollope by a practising Chancery barrister in the late 1860s. There remains some debate about whether or not Mr Dove's Opinion is correct.
If you pop into the Portuguese Ambassador's Church of St Anselm and St St Cecilia on Kingsway, a pretty church close to Mishcon de Reya's offices, you can see a statue of Sir Thomas More, who was Lord Chancellor in the 1530s, before he had his head chopped off.
For the interview, just be yourself. Listen carefully to the questions you are asked, and think for a moment before answering. The interviewers are not trying to catch you out, but please answer the question you are asked, and not some other question you might wish to have been asked.
I have mentioned the historical and literary stuff above not because the interviewers will expect you to be an expert on such things, but because they might be interested in why you have chosen Lincoln's Inn, and because a barrister should, I think, be learned in many things and not just learned in the law.
Practically, having a familiarity with what traditional and modern Chancery practice involves may be of use. Please ask me if you are unsure about that subject.
I'm a member of Lincoln's Inn ad eundem (by incorporation), but also a member of the Middle Temple. I used to practise more common law than equity, but these days I practise more equity than common law. I don't sit on the interview panel of any Inn of Court, but I do interview pupillage applicants for my chambers.
Good luck!
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1023/1023-h/1023-h.htm#c1
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/anthony-trollope/the-eustace-diamonds/text/chapter-25
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/anthony-trollope/the-eustace-diamonds/text/chapter-28
The Lord Chancellor used to hold Court in the Old Hall of Lincoln's Inn when the courts at Westminster Hall were closed. That was before the building, in the late C19, of the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand, as the fusion of law and equity was taking place. Nowadays, the Chancery Division of the High Court, part of the Business and Property Courts, sits in the Rolls Building off Fetter Lane.
As to traditional Chancery, I suggest that you read or re-read Chapter 1 of Bleak House by Charles Dickens, and Chapters 25 and 28 of The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope, remembering that the Chancery law and practice depicted in those novels pre-dates the Judicature Acts and the sweeping legal reforms of the late C19. I attach links below.
The old ways are dead, but not forgotten. As Maitland said (of the common law, rather than of equity, but the point has some application to both), "the forms of action govern us from their graves". Lincoln's Inn has a long memory.
Mr Dove of Counsel and his instructing solicitor Mr Camperdown in The Eustace Diamonds are two of the most realistic lawyers in literary fiction. Trollope's description of Mr Dove tells you something about being a barrister. Mr Dove's Opinion, set out in chapter 25, was written for Trollope by a practising Chancery barrister in the late 1860s. There remains some debate about whether or not Mr Dove's Opinion is correct.
If you pop into the Portuguese Ambassador's Church of St Anselm and St St Cecilia on Kingsway, a pretty church close to Mishcon de Reya's offices, you can see a statue of Sir Thomas More, who was Lord Chancellor in the 1530s, before he had his head chopped off.
For the interview, just be yourself. Listen carefully to the questions you are asked, and think for a moment before answering. The interviewers are not trying to catch you out, but please answer the question you are asked, and not some other question you might wish to have been asked.
I have mentioned the historical and literary stuff above not because the interviewers will expect you to be an expert on such things, but because they might be interested in why you have chosen Lincoln's Inn, and because a barrister should, I think, be learned in many things and not just learned in the law.
Practically, having a familiarity with what traditional and modern Chancery practice involves may be of use. Please ask me if you are unsure about that subject.
I'm a member of Lincoln's Inn ad eundem (by incorporation), but also a member of the Middle Temple. I used to practise more common law than equity, but these days I practise more equity than common law. I don't sit on the interview panel of any Inn of Court, but I do interview pupillage applicants for my chambers.
Good luck!
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1023/1023-h/1023-h.htm#c1
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/anthony-trollope/the-eustace-diamonds/text/chapter-25
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/anthony-trollope/the-eustace-diamonds/text/chapter-28
Thank you. I was wondering whether, being a GDLer, the panel would take that into account with my knowledge of law (compared to the third year llb students). To be frank, I don't know much about chancery law (apart from the exposure I've had on mini-pupillages), would you be able to say something about chancery area that may be relevant for the interview?
Reply 4
The panel will take into account that you have been studying law for a shorter time than others. Equity and trusts is the subject most relevant to Chancery practice. Traditional Chancery work concerns trusts, estates in land, wills, and inheritance and tax planning. Modern Chancery work concerns commercial frauds and the consequent equitable remedies, companies, partnerships and LLPs, insolvency, and corporate and debt restructuring.
Reply 5
Do you know if they ask questions about your written application? Additionally, do you recommend a legal news source to see the topical issues?
Reply 6
Only discuss chancery if you are interested in it though!
I was interested in common law practice and the subject of chancery did not come up once.
I received a major scholarship, whilst on the GDL!
I was interested in common law practice and the subject of chancery did not come up once.
I received a major scholarship, whilst on the GDL!
Reply 7
Original post
by LilyFreyaDo you know if they ask questions about your written application? Additionally, do you recommend a legal news source to see the topical issues?
Legal Cheek, the Lawyer, and Legal Business. See also Joshua Rozenberg's Substack.
Reply 8
Gretin
OP
3
An update! I've just been awarded a scholarship from the Inn so thanks everyone for their contributions.
Reply 9
Original post
by Stiffy ByngLegal Cheek, the Lawyer, and Legal Business. See also Joshua Rozenberg's Substack.
Reply 10
Good luck! I had an interview with Grays two weeks ago - and have been offered a scholarship. Happy to chat if need be but I don’t know any specifics for Lincoln’s
Reply 11
Original post
by Stiffy ByngIt's possible that you might be asked whether you have a particular interest in Chancery practice, whether traditional or modern. Lincoln's Inn is traditionally the home of the Chancery Bar.
The Lord Chancellor used to hold Court in the Old Hall of Lincoln's Inn when the courts at Westminster Hall were closed. That was before the building, in the late C19, of the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand, as the fusion of law and equity was taking place. Nowadays, the Chancery Division of the High Court, part of the Business and Property Courts, sits in the Rolls Building off Fetter Lane.
As to traditional Chancery, I suggest that you read or re-read Chapter 1 of Bleak House by Charles Dickens, and Chapters 25 and 28 of The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope, remembering that the Chancery law and practice depicted in those novels pre-dates the Judicature Acts and the sweeping legal reforms of the late C19. I attach links below.
The old ways are dead, but not forgotten. As Maitland said (of the common law, rather than of equity, but the point has some application to both), "the forms of action govern us from their graves". Lincoln's Inn has a long memory.
Mr Dove of Counsel and his instructing solicitor Mr Camperdown in The Eustace Diamonds are two of the most realistic lawyers in literary fiction. Trollope's description of Mr Dove tells you something about being a barrister. Mr Dove's Opinion, set out in chapter 25, was written for Trollope by a practising Chancery barrister in the late 1860s. There remains some debate about whether or not Mr Dove's Opinion is correct.
If you pop into the Portuguese Ambassador's Church of St Anselm and St St Cecilia on Kingsway, a pretty church close to Mishcon de Reya's offices, you can see a statue of Sir Thomas More, who was Lord Chancellor in the 1530s, before he had his head chopped off.
For the interview, just be yourself. Listen carefully to the questions you are asked, and think for a moment before answering. The interviewers are not trying to catch you out, but please answer the question you are asked, and not some other question you might wish to have been asked.
I have mentioned the historical and literary stuff above not because the interviewers will expect you to be an expert on such things, but because they might be interested in why you have chosen Lincoln's Inn, and because a barrister should, I think, be learned in many things and not just learned in the law.
Practically, having a familiarity with what traditional and modern Chancery practice involves may be of use. Please ask me if you are unsure about that subject.
I'm a member of Lincoln's Inn ad eundem (by incorporation), but also a member of the Middle Temple. I used to practise more common law than equity, but these days I practise more equity than common law. I don't sit on the interview panel of any Inn of Court, but I do interview pupillage applicants for my chambers.
Good luck!
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1023/1023-h/1023-h.htm#c1
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/anthony-trollope/the-eustace-diamonds/text/chapter-25
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/anthony-trollope/the-eustace-diamonds/text/chapter-28
The Lord Chancellor used to hold Court in the Old Hall of Lincoln's Inn when the courts at Westminster Hall were closed. That was before the building, in the late C19, of the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand, as the fusion of law and equity was taking place. Nowadays, the Chancery Division of the High Court, part of the Business and Property Courts, sits in the Rolls Building off Fetter Lane.
As to traditional Chancery, I suggest that you read or re-read Chapter 1 of Bleak House by Charles Dickens, and Chapters 25 and 28 of The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope, remembering that the Chancery law and practice depicted in those novels pre-dates the Judicature Acts and the sweeping legal reforms of the late C19. I attach links below.
The old ways are dead, but not forgotten. As Maitland said (of the common law, rather than of equity, but the point has some application to both), "the forms of action govern us from their graves". Lincoln's Inn has a long memory.
Mr Dove of Counsel and his instructing solicitor Mr Camperdown in The Eustace Diamonds are two of the most realistic lawyers in literary fiction. Trollope's description of Mr Dove tells you something about being a barrister. Mr Dove's Opinion, set out in chapter 25, was written for Trollope by a practising Chancery barrister in the late 1860s. There remains some debate about whether or not Mr Dove's Opinion is correct.
If you pop into the Portuguese Ambassador's Church of St Anselm and St St Cecilia on Kingsway, a pretty church close to Mishcon de Reya's offices, you can see a statue of Sir Thomas More, who was Lord Chancellor in the 1530s, before he had his head chopped off.
For the interview, just be yourself. Listen carefully to the questions you are asked, and think for a moment before answering. The interviewers are not trying to catch you out, but please answer the question you are asked, and not some other question you might wish to have been asked.
I have mentioned the historical and literary stuff above not because the interviewers will expect you to be an expert on such things, but because they might be interested in why you have chosen Lincoln's Inn, and because a barrister should, I think, be learned in many things and not just learned in the law.
Practically, having a familiarity with what traditional and modern Chancery practice involves may be of use. Please ask me if you are unsure about that subject.
I'm a member of Lincoln's Inn ad eundem (by incorporation), but also a member of the Middle Temple. I used to practise more common law than equity, but these days I practise more equity than common law. I don't sit on the interview panel of any Inn of Court, but I do interview pupillage applicants for my chambers.
Good luck!
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1023/1023-h/1023-h.htm#c1
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/anthony-trollope/the-eustace-diamonds/text/chapter-25
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/anthony-trollope/the-eustace-diamonds/text/chapter-28
This was so helpful to read thank you. Amy interesting insights into Middle?
Reply 12
I don't know anything about the scholarship interviews at MT, sorry. I can tell you stuff about MT in general, but not about the interviews.
Reply 13
Original post
by GretinHi. I've just been offered an interview for Lincoln's for a bar scholarship interview. I've done some googling for how to best approach these interviews but if anyone has any particular advice specifically about Lincoln's that'd be great (or any advice in general really).
Whatever step you take, make sure to go through your own application app, completely and make sure that you can defend everything you've written in that as they'll surely ask you about that, rest I think will go on smoothly.
Other resources have been shared by others as well, you can take help from that as well.
Reply 14
The Student Room thread “Inns of Court Bar Scholarship Interview” is a legit and useful discussion where applicants share real experiences about Lincoln’s Inn scholarship interviews. The key advice is to know your application inside out, be ready to discuss your motivation for law, and stay calm when answering. A practising barrister even shares insider tips like thinking before speaking and focusing on clarity over jargon.
Overall, it’s credible and practical guidance — but since interview styles vary by Inn, you should also check the official Lincoln’s Inn site and do mock interviews for complete prep.
Overall, it’s credible and practical guidance — but since interview styles vary by Inn, you should also check the official Lincoln’s Inn site and do mock interviews for complete prep.
(edited 2 weeks ago)
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