I believe that the Bar must be equally accessible to talented people from all backgrounds. That does not, of course, mean that starting a career at the Bar is an easy matter. The profession is, by its nature, highly competitive, and only the most able can expect to succeed. My concern, however, is that everyone, whatever their origins or upbringing, have an equal opportunity to compete on merit.

Perhaps the greatest hurdle in joining the profession is obtaining a pupillage. This is because pupillage is an intensive period of apprenticeship, which requires dedication from both pupil supervisor and pupil alike. It is obviously important to undertake detailed research into the available pupillages and their suitability for your legal interests.

This website, LawCareers.Net, provides information about training as a barrister and areas of practice. It also reproduces information provided by some chambers about themselves. Further information on qualification is available via the Bar Council's new website at www.barcouncil.org.uk.

I very much hope that you will find the information on this website useful. I wish you every success with your future career in the law.

Geoffrey Vos QC
Chairman of the Bar Council

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