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BSB aptitude test in doubt after OFT dig

Perfectly sensible idea to have an aptitude test. As long as it is used to weed out unsuitable candidates and is not used to impose an artifcial cap on the number of new entrants. More important is a fundamental re-think of the whole bar school idea. The courses are shockingly expensive (up to £15k) and operate as a real barrier to those of modest means and/or those who already have large student loans. And unfortunately they are pretty rubbish too, providing only a very limited preparation for pupillage and life at the Bar. Much more sensible would be a New York Bar exam approach, where there is a single exam set by the BSB. It would then be open to candidates to study for the exams independently, or on a full time or part time course. For those studying independently there could be some compulsory advocacy modules (which could, say, be provided by the Inns). It would allow people to study at theit own pace and significantly reduce the cost of getting to the Bar.

27-Jul-2009

12:27 pm