Understanding the Inns of Court Scholarship Processes

One of the most important steps for aspiring barristers is securing a scholarship from one of the Inns of Court. Scholarships are highly competitive, and while you can only apply to one Inn, each has a slightly different process and assessment style. Knowing these differences can help you decide which Inn suits you best and prepare effectively.

Here’s a breakdown of the processes at Gray’s Inn, Lincoln’s Inn, Middle Temple, and Inner Temple.

Gray’s Inn

Applications run from 12th September to 31st October 2025. Candidates must pass both a written and an oral assessment. The written assessment is an application form containing competency-based questions tied to the scholarship criteria.

The oral assessment lasts up to 15 minutes. Candidates receive at least two topical questions 15 minutes before the interview and must prepare a 3-minute oral answer to one question. This is followed by up to 2 minutes of questioning from the panel, which will also ask at least one further question on the other assessment criteria.

Gray’s places particular emphasis on advocacy under pressure with its mini advocacy exercise.

Lincoln’s Inn

Applications run from 2nd September to 31st October 2025. After an initial paper sift, shortlisted applicants are interviewed by a panel of three members of the Inn, chaired by a Bencher or senior barrister.

The interview usually lasts around 20 minutes. Questions are focused on the criteria of academic and intellectual attainment, analytical thinking and problem solving, motivation, teamwork, advocacy, and drive, determination, and resilience.

Lincoln’s interviews are criteria-focused and test overall suitability for the Bar.

Middle Temple

Applications run from 22nd September to 7th November 2025. Every applicant is interviewed.

The interview lasts 15 minutes and is conducted by a panel of three senior members of the Inn from different practice areas. Applicants may choose between in-person (at Middle Temple) or remote interviews.

Questions are based on what has been included in the application, such as mini-pupillages, legal work experience, court visits, academic research, or other relevant activities.

Middle Temple’s process is more experience-based, giving weight to personal journeys towards the Bar.

Inner Temple

Applications run from 22nd September to 7th November 2025. Inner Temple now operates a shortlisting procedure rather than interviewing all applicants.

Shortlisted candidates are given a judgment to read beforehand. Interview questions are drawn from this judgment, with advance guidance provided to help preparation. The interview lasts around 20 minutes and is conducted by a panel of at least three trained interviewers. Panel members review the application form in advance.

Shortlisting is based on academic achievement and motivation and resilience.

Inner Temple’s process is case-based, testing legal reasoning and the ability to analyse a judgment under time pressure.

Choosing the Right Inn

While each Inn offers generous funding, their assessment processes vary significantly.

Gray’s Inn focuses on advocacy and performance under pressure.
Lincoln’s Inn takes a broad, criteria-driven approach.
Middle Temple is inclusive, interviewing every applicant, and looks closely at prior experience and motivation.
Inner Temple shortlists candidates and tests judgment analysis skills.

Since you can only apply to one Inn for a scholarship, reflecting on your strengths – whether in advocacy, academics, experience, or judgment analysis – will help you decide where to apply.