Future barrister training plans could end requirement to join an Inn of Court

As part of its plan to overhaul the training of barristers, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) is considering both ending the requirement for prospective barristers to join an Inn of Court and the required period of 12 months for pupillages.

If implemented, the plan would remove the Inns of Court from involvement in registering and vetting students, approving pupil supervisors and providing advocacy and management training. Ending the requirement for aspiring barristers to join an inn of court would also mean that students would no longer be obliged to attend qualifying sessions (also known as dinners) at their Inn before they can be called for the Bar. As Legal Futures reports, the possibility is likely to be fiercely opposed by traditionalists. Meanwhile, plans to end the requirement for pupillages to take place over 12 months could make training as a barrister more flexible.

It must be emphasised that multiple options are still under consideration, so the extent of the Inns’ future involvement in the training of barristers remains unknown. Ewen Macleod, director of strategy and policy at the BSB, commented: “By seeking views on these important matters, we are keen to make sure that our rules governing pupillage and qualification remain fit for purpose over the long term. There are a number of possible ways to achieve all of this, so we are keen to hear what people think about the issues we have included in this consultation paper.”