*/
Chambers should be put back in charge of designing the pupillage experience for aspiring barristers, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) has said.
In Future Bar Training, published in February, the regulator suggested that it should instead focus on ensuring that barristers have the right knowledge and skills at the end of the educational process, through the establishment of a Professional Statement.
The proposals, which are due to be consulted on this summer, mark a significant departure from the current system in which the BSB must approve any pupillages that deviate from the standard format, and make it easier for pupillage training organisations to offer alternatives, such as secondments. The BSB will also explore how pupils – most of whom are self-employed – can be protected in the same way as employees or other trainees.
Director of Education and Training for the BSB, Dr Simon Thornton-Wood, said: “By clearly defining the end point of qualification – in terms of the skills and ability a barrister needs – we think routes to qualification will become more flexible, more innovative, and more creative.
“If this greater flexibility means that there can be more pupillages on offer that is also a good move.”
The increasing costs in training and education is a serious concern. “Inevitably, high quality training comes at a price, but we don’t want this to be prohibitive and a deterrent to those who have the aptitude and determination to become successful barristers,” Thornton-Wood added.
The cost of the BPTC in London is now typically in excess of £17,500 for a one-year course; and less than a third of students find work at the Bar.
The proposals, which are due to be consulted on this summer, mark a significant departure from the current system in which the BSB must approve any pupillages that deviate from the standard format, and make it easier for pupillage training organisations to offer alternatives, such as secondments. The BSB will also explore how pupils – most of whom are self-employed – can be protected in the same way as employees or other trainees.
Director of Education and Training for the BSB, Dr Simon Thornton-Wood, said: “By clearly defining the end point of qualification – in terms of the skills and ability a barrister needs – we think routes to qualification will become more flexible, more innovative, and more creative.
“If this greater flexibility means that there can be more pupillages on offer that is also a good move.”
The increasing costs in training and education is a serious concern. “Inevitably, high quality training comes at a price, but we don’t want this to be prohibitive and a deterrent to those who have the aptitude and determination to become successful barristers,” Thornton-Wood added.
The cost of the BPTC in London is now typically in excess of £17,500 for a one-year course; and less than a third of students find work at the Bar.
Chambers should be put back in charge of designing the pupillage experience for aspiring barristers, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) has said.
In Future Bar Training, published in February, the regulator suggested that it should instead focus on ensuring that barristers have the right knowledge and skills at the end of the educational process, through the establishment of a Professional Statement.
Barbara Mills KC, the new Chair of the Bar, outlines some key themes and priorities
A family lawyer has won a £500 donation for her preferred charity, an education centre for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, thanks to drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs’ Giving Back campaign
Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management highlights some of the ways you can cut your IHT bill
Rachel Davenport breaks down everything you need to know about AlphaBiolabs’ industry-leading laboratory testing services for legal matters
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
What's it like being a legal trainee at the Crown Prosecution Service? Amy describes what drew her to the role, the skills required and a typical day in the life
Barbara Mills KC wants to raise the profile of the family Bar. She also wants to improve wellbeing and enhance equality, diversity and inclusion in the profession. She talks to Joshua Rozenberg KC (hon) about her plans for the year ahead
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC identify good value bottles across the price spectrum – from festive fizz to reliable reds
Governments who play fast and loose with the law get into real trouble, says the new Attorney General. The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC talks to Anthony Inglese CB about what drew this boy from Cardiff to the Bar, bringing the barrister ethos to the front bench, and how he will be measuring success
Mark Neale, Director General of the Bar Standards Board, offers an update on the Equality Rules consultation
