Bursaries
The HRLA organises a human rights Bursary Scheme annually offering fully funded placements at leading human rights organisations. In 2024, HRLA partnered up with JUSTICE, the leading human rights charity, and 5 Essex Chambers, a leading human rights set/ barristers’ Chambers. The scheme is designed to support those who have a passion for human rights law and would not otherwise be able to afford to undertake a placement. Details of our Bursary Scheme applications and deadlines are published here so do check back regularly.
Examples of feedback from previous Bursary recipients:
“Throughout my placement at 5 Essex, I was made to feel extremely welcome in Chambers, and several other members of Chambers, beyond those I attended court, with went out of their way to make time to speak to me and answer my questions. I was especially grateful to receive a bursary to allow me to undertake this placement, during the otherwise financially demanding process of completing my Bar training course.”
“My internship at JUSTICE through the Human Rights Lawyers’ Association was an exceptionally rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. Over two months, I was immersed in legal policy and advocacy, working across a wide range of human rights and rule of law issues. This was not only a chance to build technical legal skills, but also to better understand how strategic legal work can influence real-world outcomes… I am hugely grateful to both the HRLA and JUSTICE for making this opportunity possible. This internship has significantly shaped my future direction: it confirmed my interest in public law and strengthened my resolve to pursue a career at the intersection of law, policy, and human rights.”
“It was an absolute honour to spend time at 5 Essex Chambers as a successful recipient of the Human Rights Lawyers Association Bursary Award. This experience has been one of the most rewarding in my legal journey so far… I left with a greater understanding of the challenges and rewards of life at the Bar. Thank you again to 5 Essex Chambers and the Human Rights Lawyers Association for making this possible.”
“My experience as an HRLA bursary recipient was truly invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity. Thanks to the support of the HRLA, I was able to undertake a mini-pupillage at 5 Essex Court, a highly respected set of chambers specialising in police law, public inquiries, inquests, and broader aspects of public and human rights law… Throughout the placement, I felt incredibly supported—both by the welcoming barristers at 5 Essex Court and by the HRLA team. I was actively encouraged to ask questions, speak with current pupils and junior tenants, and seek advice about the pupillage process. Their guidance was both generous and insightful. This experience has cemented my interest in pursuing a career at the Bar, specifically in human rights law. I would highly recommend the HRLA bursary scheme to anyone considering this path as it truly was an informative and unforgettable opportunity.”