Making a Part-time Commitment
updated on 19 April 2005
Dear Oracle
I recently read in a newspaper supplement that more universities are to offer the Bar Vocational Course as a part-time course at weekends and evenings, stretching over two years rather than one. This would be incredibly useful to me as it would allow me to earn the money to pay for it during the week and be with my family. However, would chambers look unfavourably on this as showing a lack of enthusiasm or commitment?The Oracle replies
How often these days do we hear talk of the ubiquitous "work/life balance"? The decision to tailor our professional lives to fit in with personal commitments is becoming increasingly common. Many more people are choosing to complete the BVC (and LPC) on a part-time basis, something which should not be held against you.Chambers are likely to appreciate that not everyone is going to be in a position to complete the BVC in a single year. In addition, the decision to offer it part-time is likely to have been made in consultation with the profession, so you will find that there are chambers that agree with the value in being able to do it part-time. Finally, just so you're covering your bases, try to make sure that you can show your enthusiasm and commitment in other ways (eg, breadth of work experience), and this will serve to dispel any fears that interviewers may have about the part-time decision.
On a practical note, there are currently only two providers offering a part-time option: BPP Law School and the Inns of Court School of Law. This may very well increase over time, and is definitely something to keep an eye on. Contact the Bar Council on 020 7242 0082 or the BVC course provider you are applying to for more advice on the part-time option.
