Alec Samuels suggests a solution to the problems at the Bar
Society needs the Bar—a strong independent Bar. However, problems abound for the young person aspiring to join and to practise at the Bar. The cost of academic and professional training and personal maintenance is very high, leading to large debt. Professional training standards in the professional law schools vary. Finding pupillage and tenancy presents a huge challenge. Effective pupil master training can be a lottery. Less legal aid, higher court fees, and the growth of solicitor advocacy mean that there is less small work available for the young inexperienced barrister. Many young lawyers start out for the Bar, and for a variety of reasons many fall out along the line. The Bar is at risk of becoming the preserve of rich white males.
The Bar used to be self-regulatory in the public interest. Now it is controlled by the regulator, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) under the aegis of the Legal Services Board (LSB). Unfortunately the BSB disagrees with the Council of the Inns of Court (COIC) on important matters of strategy.
