Report this comment to a moderator

Pupillages nosedive by 20 per cent since 2000

Reducing the number of BVC places would widen access to the Bar The most logical explanation is that the decrease in the percentage of BVC graduates obtaining pupillage is caused by rather than despite the increased matriculation rate. Whilst I am sure the providers wish nothing but the best for their students, it seems clear that the present admissions policy and in particular the number of BVC places available are contrary to the interests of many of those undertaking the course. For the majority who seek but do not obtain pupillage, the benefit of fifteen minutes of advocacy training per week plus a miscellany of non-transferrable knowledge and skills is far outweighed by cost of time and money that they incur. If admissions criteria were made more stringent and the difficulty of the course increased, then not only would a larger percentage of graduates obtain pupillage, but as importantly, chambers might come to view a strong performance on the BVC as sufficient proof in itself of a candidate's ability, thus enabling those coming to the Bar as a second career and those with less strong undergraduate degrees to prove their ability. The somewhat counterintuitive conclusion to be drawn is that a significant reduction in the number of BVC places would actually further the important aim of widening access to the Bar.

31-Mar-2008

3:00 pm