Zira Hussain and Her Mentee Discuss Bridging the Bar and Securing Pupillage
Over the last year Zira Hussain has been mentoring an aspiring barrister through Bridging the Bar Charity. Her mentee was applying for pupillage.
Zira’s mentee secured nine first round interviews, five second round interviews, one offer of pupillage and two reserve offers.
Bridging the Bar is committed to increasing the equality of access to opportunities in the legal profession across all underrepresented groups. They help students who, owing to their disability, ethnic background, socio-economic background, education, sexuality or other characteristic belong to groups which are statistically underrepresented in the profession. You can read more information about the charity here - Home - bridging the bar
Zira Hussain said “It has been an honour and a privilege to mentor an aspiring barrister through Bridging the Bar Charity. Bridging the Bar is a great charity doing so much for those from underrepresented groups. I’m pleased to have helped. This is what our job is about, equality, fairness and justice, ensuring everyone whatever their background is given a fair chance and an opportunity”
Zira’s mentee said, “Since being paired with Zira, it is clear that she is passionate about changing the future of the Bar and making it more diverse. Despite mentoring being on a voluntary basis, throughout this process Zira has always been approachable, supportive and responsive. Zira would often share her experiences with me and through that I have gained a lot of knowledge which has helped me grow professionally. I have learned a lot about the profession and how to tackle pupillage applications and interviews; I simply would not have been as successful this pupillage round if I did not have Zira as my mentor. Her constant support has been invaluable.”
Head of North Eastern Circuit Diversity Outreach Programme said, “A very inspiring story of the excellent mentoring work that has been done by Zira Hussain and the fantastic success of her mentee. Zira’s efforts have clearly had a positive effect and have enhanced the application of a very promising candidate. Bridging the Bar needs more volunteers like Zira”
On securing pupillage Zira presented her mentee with a blue bag.
A blue bag is traditionally a bag to carry a barrister's robes. When a person is called to the bar, by tradition they are provided, as part of their outfit, with a blue bag to carry their robe and wig box.