How to protect the title of barrister? John Gould explores the options
‘When I, good friends, was called to the bar
I’d an appetite fresh and hearty.
But I was, as many young barristers are,
An impecunious party.
I’d a swallow-tail coat of a beautiful blue,
A brief which I bought off a booby,
A couple of shirts, and a collar or two,
And a ring that looked like a ruby!’
(W S Gilbert)
Things have moved on since Trial by Jury was first produced in 1875, but ‘barrister’ remains one of the few desirable titles that can only be obtained partly by eating while wearing period costume.
When chair of the Bar last year Nick Vineall KC called for the title ‘barrister’ to be reserved for those who have completed pupillage. The present system means that the title of barrister is conferred on people who have never practised, will never practise and are not actually entitled to practise as barristers anyway.
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