News Article
Pupillage Review Working Group
Pupillage Review: Working Group
The Pupillage Review Working Group had its first meeting at the end of October this year. Its primary purpose is to conduct a thorough review of pupillage over the course of twelve months, under the auspices of the Bar Standards Board.
The working group is made up of several committee members, headed by Chairperson Derek Wood QC. Members represent areas such as the Education and Training Committee, the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks, those with experience of pupil supervision, and those with recent experience of pupillage. Having recently been appointed as a tenant at 12 King’s Bench Walk chambers, my role on the Committee is to relate my experiences of pupillage and early tenancy, from application to interview and the pupillage itself.
The Group is committed to considering whether the current methods of delivering a one year pupillage are the most appropriate. Ongoing research focuses upon several core issues. These include:
(1) whether the standards for training are pitched at the correct level
(2) consideration of the recruitment process. Questions posed are probative; are the current methods of selection fair? Do they necessarily result in the best candidates being selected for pupillage?
(3) Whether the present regulatory framework for ensuring that standards are reached is effective. This issue demands questions such as are the current checklists to be used by pupils and pupil supervisors useful? Is the method of selection of pupil supervisors adequate? Is it appropriate to allow for extension/ reduction of pupillage? Should pupil supervisors be required to undertake regular training?
In order to answer these questions and address the issues the Working Group will undertake extensive collaboration with the Inns, university students, pupils, circuits and the Bar Council Training for the Bar Committee. This list is not exhaustive and consultation with further bodies deemed appropriate by the Working Group is likely.
At the end of the year a final report will be collated and presented to the Bar Standards Board. Clearly the commission which lies ahead is onerous. It is an arduous task to gather the necessary information (both statistical and anecdotal) from such a divergent profession in which some chambers operate with a commercial and heavily structured approach to pupillage and recruitment, whilst others simply do not have the resources to do so. The input of students and current pupils will be vital. To that end the Working Group has reached a consensus that a “blog” upon which comments and suggestions can be posted is likely to draw in information as to current attitudes towards pupillage. At this stage the Working Group is keen to guarantee anonymity to those who wish to make comments. Members of the Working Group will also be present at the various pupil training events which run throughout the year at venues such as Latimer House and the Inns. Any comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Whether you are a prospective pupil, a current pupil, or have any involvement whatsoever with the pupillage process, please voice your comments by way of email to me at gcrawford@12kbw.co.uk There are ten months left in which to have your say and make a difference to the way in which pupillage is run!
Georgina Crawford
15th December 2008