Kent Law School graduate Zoë Ravalier has been awarded the Malcolm Wright Scholarship from Middle Temple, helping her take the next step towards a career at the Bar. Having recently graduated with a Law LLB (Hons), Zoë will begin the Bar Practice Course with an LLM this September, supported by the prestigious scholarship.
Growing up in East London and Essex and attending state schools, Zoë developed a strong sense of the importance of advocacy and access to justice. Those values shaped her ambition to become a barrister.
“What particularly motivated me towards a career at the Bar was the opportunity to advocate for others. Through my personal experience, I have come to realise that the role of a barrister extends beyond advocacy and also involves empowering clients, and this is something which closely aligns with me.”
Preparing for a Bar scholarship
Zoë first learned about Inn of Court scholarships through the Bar Scholarship and Pupillage Course, part of Kent Law School’s Lawyering Skills Programme. The course introduced aspiring barristers to the Inns of Court, explained the scholarship application process and helped students understand how to present their skills and experiences effectively.
“The course gave me a much clearer understanding of the application process and increased my confidence in applying.”
When it came to choosing an Inn, Zoë selected Middle Temple because it interviews every scholarship applicant, giving candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their potential beyond what can be conveyed in a written application. She also had a personal connection to the Inn through a family member.
To prepare her application, Zoë produced several drafts that were reviewed by Kent’s Careers and Employability Service. She also undertook a mock interview with a practising barrister and Kent alumnus who had previously received a scholarship, kept up to date with legal and current affairs, watched videos from former scholarship recipients and practised interview questions with a close friend.
Her preparation paid off when she was awarded the Malcolm Wright Scholarship.
A significant step towards the Bar
Receiving the Malcolm Wright scholarship has enabled Zoë to continue progressing towards her ambition of becoming a barrister.
“With this award, I have the necessary financial support to pursue the Bar Practice Course with an LLM this September. Without it, I would likely have had to take a gap year to work and save the necessary funds or reapply for funding at a later stage.”
The award not only removes a significant financial barrier but also allows Zoë to focus on the next stage of her legal training.
Making the most of opportunities at Kent
Reflecting on her time at Kent Law School, Zoë believes the greatest change has been in her confidence.
“From the moment I began my studies in first year, I have grown in confidence in how I present myself, whether through my academic work, co-curricular activities or even in how I view myself personally. Now that I have completed my degree, I no longer feel out of place in aspiring to become a barrister.”
Throughout her degree, Zoë embraced opportunities to develop both personally and professionally. She served as a Student Ambassador during applicant days and represented the University in external mooting and mediation competitions, experiences that strengthened her advocacy skills while building confidence.
She is also grateful for the encouragement she received from academic staff throughout her studies.
“I am very grateful for the genuine investment that my lecturers have shown in my development. Their support and belief in me have made a lasting difference throughout my studies.”
Advice for aspiring barristers
Zoë encourages students considering a career at the Bar to make the most of every opportunity available to them, particularly the Lawyering Skills Programme and Bar Scholarship and Pupillage Course.
She also emphasises the importance of preparing thoroughly for scholarship interviews.
“Know your application inside out. The panel will have read it carefully and will be very familiar with everything you have written. Be prepared to expand on every aspect of your application, understand the qualities the panel is assessing and make sure you’re up to date with current affairs and developments in the legal profession.”
Above all, Zoë hopes future students will have confidence in their own potential.
“Begin cultivating the mindset that you are a future lawyer and that the legal profession is a place where you rightfully belong. Do not ever feel that a career in law is beyond your reach.”
She also encourages students to reflect on every experience, remain open to unexpected opportunities and invest in their personal growth.
“Every opportunity has its value. Make your university experience fulfilling and meaningful, take advantage of the opportunities available and remember to enjoy the journey along the way.”
Zoë will begin the Bar Practice Course with an LLM this autumn as she continues working towards her ambition of becoming a barrister.
Zoë’s top tips for aspiring barristers
- Complete the Bar Scholarship and Pupillage Course if you have the opportunity – it provides invaluable guidance on applications and interviews.
- Know your application inside out. Be prepared to discuss every example you’ve included.
- Understand the scholarship criteria and make sure your interview answers demonstrate those qualities.
- Keep up to date with current affairs and developments in the legal profession.
- Reflect on your experiences. Be able to explain not just what you did, but what you learned.
- Believe you belong. Confidence grows with experience, so embrace every opportunity available to you.
Zoë is one of three Kent Law students to recently secure substantial Bar scholarships. Kent Law School wishes them all every success and thanks Zoë for taking the time to prepare this blog post.
