The Exchange

This scholarship has been established to foster relationships between the Middle Temple and the United States of America. It is intended to enable a member of the Inn who is newly Called, or about to be Called, to observe the methods of practice in a fused profession.

The successful candidate will be attached to Nick Critelli Associates in Des Moines, Iowa. This is a small but highly prestigious law firm, which specialises in trial work and litigation. Arrangements are also made to sit with judges in the Federal Court in Des Moines and the Iowa Court of Appeal. A single scholarship, worth £3,000, is awarded each year for a stay of about six weeks in the autumn.

Experience has shown that American lawyers are very interested in the English legal system and the Inns of Court, in comparison with their own system, and the candidate is often required to discuss the merits of both legal systems on formal and informal occasions. It is important, therefore, that the successful candidate is a good ambassador for both the Bar and the Middle Temple.

At the conclusion of the scholarship, a short report to the Inn of the time spent in America should be submitted to the Scholarships Officer.

Please click here to read the 2018 scholar's report.

Please click here to read the 2019 scholar's report.

Eligibility

Applicants must be a member of Middle Temple who are either newly Called or due to be Called. Ideally, any applicant will have completed the Bar Course, but exceptions can be made for the right candidate.

Application Process

Applications are CLOSED and will reopen in Summer 2025.

Applicants are required to:

• Download and complete the application form. The form must be signed and dated.
• Submit a full Curriculum Vitae,
• Submit a recent academic reference.

We ask that you contact your referee and ask them to send their reference to the Scholarships Officer. The Inn will not contact a referee on your behalf. 

Please email your completed application and reference to the Scholarships Officer at scholarshipapplications@middletemple.org.uk.

Interviews

Applicants will be interviewed by a selection panel formed of practising members and, alongside your application, they will assess your eligibility for the scholarship.

Interviews will be 15 minutes long and held in person at Middle Temple. Priority may be given to suitable candidates who have not previously benefited from other equivalent awards. The selection panel reserves the right to draw up a shortlist for interview.  

Interviews will take place in September and candidates will be informed of the outcome in late September/early October.

The successful candidate will be informed via email and put in touch with Nick Critelli Associates to finalise dates for the exchange. Payment will be processed once dates are agreed.

The Inn is prepared to reimburse reasonable travel expenses for candidates travelling from outside the M25 to attend the interview, up to a maximum of £75 per candidate.  Please click here for further information