Advancing diversity in Criminal Law: Red Lion Chambers and ELBA Mentoring Programme 2026

We recently celebrated another year of partnership with Red Lion Chambers to support their Law Mentoring Programme, aimed at second and third year students from underrepresented backgrounds to support their career journey into criminal law.

Ten Law students from the University of East London, London Metropolitan University and Queen Mary University of London were successful in securing mentorship from ten Red Lion Chambers barristers across five mentoring groups. Over a span of over five months, the mentees were advised and guided by their mentoring groups on entering the legal profession, developing essential advocacy skills, and overall improving their confidence as future lawyers.

The programme concluded with a mock trial at the Central Criminal Court on 29 July 2026. The mock trial allowed mentees to apply technical skills in a formal courtroom environment, which was overseen by HHJ Raffety KC. The exercise served as a practical evaluation of the students’ growth in professional conduct and legal reasoning under judicial supervision. In addition to the valuable experience of simulating a courtroom case, the mentees received comprehensive feedback and guidance directly from the judge, making it a uniquely rewarding opportunity.

We would like to thank everyone who took part, including:

• Michelle Nelson KC
• Gillian Jones KC
• Ian McLoughlin KC
• Alistair Fell
• Faras Baloch
• Jack Talbot
• Trevor Archer
• Leo Seelig
• Aneurin Brewer
• Dan Taylor
• Syam Soni
• Charlotte Noddings
• Katie Bacon

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