September 4, 2026
Chambers has marked the successful completion of its 2026 mentoring programme with the East London Business Alliance (ELBA), supporting aspiring lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds seeking a career in criminal law.
Ten law students from the University of East London, London Metropolitan University and Queen Mary University of London were selected to take part in this year’s programme, receiving more than five months of mentoring and guidance from RLC barristers.
Working across five mentoring groups, the students received advice on entering the legal profession, developed essential advocacy skills and gained first-hand insight into life at the Criminal Bar, while building their confidence as future lawyers.
The programme culminated in a Mock Trial at the Old Bailey, giving mentees the opportunity to put the skills they had developed into practice in a formal courtroom environment.
The Mock Trial was presided by HHJ Raffety KC with students able to test their advocacy, professional conduct and legal reasoning. Mentees also received direct feedback and guidance from the judge, providing valuable insight into courtroom advocacy and practice.
Michelle Nelson KC, who leads the RLC/ELBA Mentoring Programme, said:
“It has been incredibly rewarding to see the development of our mentees over the course of the programme and the confidence they have gained through working closely with members of Chambers. Access to the profession and meaningful opportunities to develop practical skills are hugely important.
Through our partnership with ELBA, we are able to give aspiring lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds direct access to barristers, honest insight into life at the Criminal Bar and the opportunity to develop their advocacy in a supportive environment. The Mock Trial at the Old Bailey is a fitting culmination of the programme, allowing the students to put into practice everything they have learned.
I would like to congratulate all of this year’s mentees and thank our barristers, ELBA and the participating universities for their continued commitment and support.”
RLC barristers supporting the 2026 programme included 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 and Katie Bacon.