We are pleased to share the news that Philippa Okoli is the 2024 Keating Chambers Scholar. The Keating Chambers Social Mobility Scholarship was first launched in September 2022 in conjunction with Gray’s Inn. It is designed to support Bar Course students from backgrounds under-represented at the Bar, and Philippa is our second scholar through this scheme.
Philippa was commended by the Inn’s interview panel for her outstanding advocacy performance. This was especially evident through her approach to the topical exercise, in which candidates are given a short window to prepare and then present an effective argument on a legal theme and respond to interventions. The panel were also impressed by the motivation and commitment to pursue a career in the profession that Philippa demonstrated throughout the assessment process.
On receiving the scholarship offer, Philippa commented: “I would like to express my gratitude for The Keating Chambers Scholarship. The financial burden of the Bar is substantial, and without this award I would be unable to pursue a career at the Bar. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in Commercial Law specifically due to its dynamic nature and international relevance. This fascination continues to shape my professional endeavours and, following graduation, I immersed myself in practical Commercial Law experiences. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity this scholarship will afford me.”
Philippa has recently completed her Law degree at The University of Kent where she graduated with a First Class Honours. She will commence Bar training in September using the financial award provided. It is important to Keating Chambers that our support extends beyond a financial contribution, so Philippa has also been offered mentoring from a Keating barrister and an unassessed mini-pupillage as part of the Scholarship.
We were pleased to welcome Philippa to Chambers last week where she had the opportunity to meet several barristers and staff members including Alexander Nissen KC (Head of Chambers), Simon Hargreaves KC (who has been assigned as Philippa’s mentor), Lucy Garrett KC and Sarah Williams. Alexander commented: “We were delighted to meet Philippa in Chambers and look forward to mentoring her over the next few years as well as seeing her back in chambers for her mini-pupillage. Keating Chambers takes the issue of access to the profession for underrepresented groups seriously. Our social mobility scholarship is part of our contribution to improving the current position.”.
Background information on the Scholarship
Keating Chambers and Gray’s Inn are committed to supporting aspiring barristers from all backgrounds, promoting social mobility and increasing diversity at the Bar. In awarding £15,000 to the winning candidate, the Keating Chambers Scholarship supports a Bar Student from a background under-represented at the Bar, who may not have otherwise been able to embark on this journey.
