It may be one of the most intense periods of their life, but eight out of ten pupils (86%) report having had a positive pupillage experience, according to a Bar Council survey
More than 170 pupils (about a third of the total) answered the Bar Council Pupil Survey 2024 in February.
Most were happy with the supervision received, both in-person (88%) and online (76%); 91% found it ‘very’ or ‘quite’ challenging. Some 69% secured pupillage after two or more attempts. Men were twice as likely as women to have pupillage awards of £60,000 or above. And 60% of pupils said they ‘definitely’ envisage doing legal aid work.
However, one in four (26%) pupils personally experienced or observed bullying, harassment or discrimination, and this was more prevalent among women and those with a disability.
Sam Townend KC, chair of the Bar Council, said: ‘There is more work to do to make sure that every pupil has the support they need to thrive in their careers. Disabled pupils in particular report feeling less well-supported.’
