Pegasus Scholarship

New Zealand Pegasus Scholarship Programme 2027

In 1987 the Inner Temple, one of the Inns of Court in London, established the Pegasus Scholarship Trust, with the aim of building links between the legal professions of the many countries in the world who live under the common law system. The Trust is supported by each of the Four Inns of Court, which are societies of judges and barristers with wide responsibilities within the legal system in England.

During 2026 Pegasus Scholars from Bell Gully, Bankside Chambers, and the Public Defence Service will travel to chambers in London.  The Pegasus Scholarship Trust wishes to again offer the opportunity for three New Zealand litigation practitioners, who have been in practice for not more than five years, as at 1 February 2027, to work in barristers’ chambers in London for a period of six weeks.  The Pegasus Trust Committee will give preference to practitioners who wish ultimately to focus on advocacy in Aotearoa New Zealand and who have at least 2-3 years of post-admission experience. 

The scholarships may be taken up from around mid‑September 2027 onwards.  However, consideration may still be given to scholars seeking an earlier or later starting point.

During the programme, scholars will spend time in chambers undertaking research, attending conferences, writing and reading cases and attending court. 

The successful applicants will receive a weekly stipend of £500 from the Pegasus Trust while in London to help cover accommodation and living expenses.  However, they will be expected to meet the costs of travel to and from London.  If it is required, temporary accommodation in London can be arranged by the Trust.  The scholars will be expected as a condition of the scholarship to return to New Zealand to resume practice, following the conclusion of the programme.  Scholars are also asked to prepare a short report for the New Zealand Pegasus Committee on their time in the UK, noting any highlights, etc.

All applications should be forwarded by firms and chambers to the Pegasus Scholarship Trust, c/- Tanya McRoberts, Crown Law, PO Box 2858, Wellington, by 5.00pm on Monday 19 October 2026.  Please refer to the Application Form.  Applications can also be sent via email to Tanya.McRoberts@crownlaw.govt.nz, or by post to Tanya McRoberts, Crown Law, PO Box 2858, Wellington 6140.

Application form for the Pegasus Scholarship