Three new routes to a career at the Bar have been set out by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The consultation, Future Bar Training, launched this week, aims to make training to become a barrister more flexible, affordable and accessible while maintaining the current rigorous standards.
The first option, and the one favoured by the BSB, is a “managed pathways” approach. This would offer a variety of routes to qualification, including a series of modules, a combination of vocational and work-based learning, a combination of academic and vocational learning, and the current approach. This approach could also be developed to include apprenticeships.
A second option is a “Bar specialist” approach, with a new exam combining academic and professional learning followed by a three-month skills course and pupillage.
The third option is an “evolutionary” approach, which would retain the existing three-stage process of law degree, Bar Professional Training Course and pupillage.
The consultation closes on 23 December. The BSB will make a final decision in spring 2017.
