Apply

Applications for the Grassroots Programme will open in August 2026.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to apply, please complete and send the application form here.

Following submitting the application there will be reference checks to ensure that the eligibility for your application is confirmed.

Eligibility Criteria

The Grassroots Programme is open to students at any of the Programme’s sponsoring universities (the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Bristol) who are:

From Black backgrounds (i.e. Black African, black African Caribbean, mixed-race black African or mixed-race black African Caribbean backgrounds);
From “non-traditional” or “less advantaged” backgrounds;
Who demonstrate a commitment to their professional and academic career (by reference to academic achievement/predicted grades and course attendance levels) and their ability to participate for the duration of the Programme;
Who demonstrate the potential to excel in the legal profession.
Indicators of “non-traditional” or “less advantaged” backgrounds include (but are not limited to):
- The first generation in the family to attend university;
- Eligible for free school meals at a UK senior school or other senior school;
- Having lived in care;
- Eligible or in receipt of a means-tested maintenance grant from Student Finance
- England; and/or
- Attendance at a state or non-fee-paying school during secondary education.

Statement confirming dates of attendance and monies paid to a non-UK school

If you have studied at a school outside of the UK, please provide a statement confirming monies paid to a non-UK school. Once completed, please send to grassroots@blacksolicitorsnetwork.org

We will use this statement to, amongst other things, assess whether any fees paid are not more than nominal.