Future Bar training

While the Solicitors Qualifying Exam has stalled, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) is forging ahead with discussions on how to train the next crop of barristers.

Last week, the Solicitors Regulation Authority extended this month’s deadline for its decision in principle—the details are due to be ironed out at a later stage—on whether to introduce the exam. It will now take a decision in spring 2017, with the exam not in place until the 2019/2020 academic year at the earliest, if it goes ahead at all. Its proposals have so far been met with fierce opposition from universities and training providers.

Over at the Bar, however, three options for qualification have been proposed. The “evolutionary” option focuses on liberalising the training and increasing flexibility but would otherwise keep the qualification route as it is. The “managed pathways” option would keep the existing route to qualification but add three other routes: combined law degree and vocational training; vocational training programme integrated with pupillage; and a modular approach where candidates commit to training one step at a time. The “Bar specialist” option proposes a qualifying exam, open to any candidate—successful candidates would then undergo a training course shorter than the Bar Professional Training Course.

Next month, the BSB will host a debate, The Future Bar Training. Guest speakers will give presentations on the possible options. Register your interest for the event on 7 July at futurebartraining@barstandardsboard.org.uk.

The BSB will launch a consultation later this year, with a view to implementing the changes from the 2018-19 academic year.  

BSB director of education and training, Dr Simon Thornton-Wood, says: “By introducing a more flexible route to qualification, we hope to ensure future access to the profession in a way that enables candidates from all walks of life to consider a career at the Bar. The future of Bar training should ensure it produces competent barristers, and ultimately a legal system in which a diverse public can have confidence.”