The Temple Bar Foundation was created in 1991 by the Right Honorable Lord Denning of Whitchurch, former Master of the Rolls, and Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger to strengthen ties between leading members of the English and American bars and to advocate greater attention to the professional ethical standards those establishments share.

What is the Temple Bar?

The Temple Bar is a great arched stone gate, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, which once stood as an entrance to central London. The area surrounding the Temple Bar was where guilds of lawyers organized into what would become the four English Inns of Court. This same area is now considered "Legal London." The archway stood in place until 1878, when modern traffic forced its removal to the countryside. It is the last of the original gates to London to remain standing. The Temple Bar gate was returned to the City of London and opened to the public in November 2004. It now serves as an entrance to Paternoster Square just north of one of Wren's other great achievements, Saint Paul's Cathedral.

Temple Bar Program Highlights

The scholarship is from September 28 through October 24, 2025.

First week highlights:

• Attend the ceremonial opening of the legal year at Westminster Abbey
• Attend a welcome reception held at the Old Hall, Lincoln's Inn
• Visit the four Inns of Court
• Meet with preeminent leaders of the English bench and bar

Other highlights:

• "Shadow" a barrister and observe and discuss English trial practice
• Spend time with a justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
• Observe appellate arguments
• Discuss legal issues with the country's highest judges

How are Temple Bar Scholars selected?

The three principal selection criteria for Temple Bar Scholars® are:

• High academic achievement in law school
• Experience as a law clerk for a judge or justice of a leading appellate court, including the Supreme Court of the United States
• Demonstrated interest in international law issues

What are the costs?

• Scholars are provided air transportation, lodging, and a modest stipend to help cover their expenses for the duration of the program.
• Entertainment and additional travel expenses are the responsibility of the scholar, as are any costs associated with a lengthened stay.

How do I apply for a Temple Bar Scholarship?

• Individuals interested in participating as a Temple Bar scholar must submit a resumé and short personal statement to the selection committee no later than April 30.
• A link to the application brochure is in the "Resources" box above right. To receive a hard copy brochure or if you have questions, please send an e-mail to Cindy Dennis.
• Applications should be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the judge or justice for whom the applicant clerked.
• Scholars will be selected by May 30.