Becoming a Barrister (Part 2)

Some of the important aspects to become a barrister has already been discussed in the last blog, except for the fact that some vital questions were not answered in that part. For example, most people might ask what a qualifying law degree is. How to obtain one? Some of these questions are being addressed in this blog in as simple sentences as possible.

A Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) is a law degree that is recognized by the English Bas Council authority. Such a degree should contain certain mandatory modules. Namely; Research Skills, obligations I (Contract Law), obligations II (Tort Law), Equity and Trusts Law, criminal Law, Property Law, Law of the European Union, Public Law. (see: http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/trainingandeducation/CareersHome/TrainingtoBecomeaBarrister/QualifyingLawDegree/) Once this has been achieved it should fulfil the first stage of barrister training. It has to be noted that just having these modules in your LL.B. course would not satisfy it as QLD. The courses has to be done from an institution approved by the Bar Standards Board (BSB). A list of approved institutions is advertised in the Law Central Applications Boards website (http://www.lawcabs.ac.uk). In any case if the student is in any confusion they should contact the BSB. Email and Postal addresses are provided at the BSB website. (http://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk)

The next stage is the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), formerly known as Bar Vocational Course (BVC). A student must join one of the Inns of Court before commencing the BPTC. Usually following skills are developed at this stage: Case preparation and Legal Research (Case Work Skills), Opinion-writing and Drafting (Written Skills), Conference, negotiations, Advocacy as interpersonal skills, Civil Litigation and remedies, Criminal litigation and sentencing, Evidence, professional Ethics etc. it should be noted that application for BPTC is to be made through Law CABs. (see: http://www.barcouncil.org.uk)

The third and the final stage is the Pupillage. After the successful completion of the BPTC students have to go for Pupillage at one of the Law farms in England. This stage is divided into two parts, non-practicing and practicing. If a student completes the first six months of the training and rests s/he would still be a barrister but non-practicing (won't get a license to practice), completing an additional six months should give him/her a license to practice. It should be noted here that securing a place at law farms in England is very difficult and students should make all the efforts well in advance. (additional information on http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/trainingandeducation/CareersHome/TrainingtoBecomeaBarrister/Pupillage/)

To summarise the whole process following flowchart may be of some use. This flowchart was recreated from prospectus of BPP Law School, slightly modified to exclude the solicitor training.