THE HONOURABLE

SOCIETY OF

THE INNERTEMPLE

GUIDE TO BECOMING A

BARRISTER

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www.law.cardiff.ac.uk/cpls

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CAREERS GUIDE | 03

SO YOU WANT TO BE ABARRISTER?

Are you willing to argue an unpopular cause? Do you believe everyone hasrights that must be protected? Do you believe that no one should be

condemned except by due process of law whatever the press might say?

WHAT IS THE INNER TEMPLE? 04HOW DO I BECOME A BARRISTER? 10

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE? 19WHAT TYPE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE? 21

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY BAR COURSE? 25WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY BAR COURSE? 32

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION? 34

Do you have:• Intellectual capabilities• The ability to deal with a wide range of people• Presentation and advocacy skills• The ability to digest large volumes of information in a

short time and to handle the stress of long hours, tightdeadlines and great responsibility

• Motivation

If so, then a career as a barrister at the Bar of England & Wales might be for you…

Training for a career at the Bar• There are no specific subjects that you need to study at

GCSE or A-level in order to become a barrister but youshould aim for good grades in academic subjects.

• Some chambers and employers include GCSE and A-level grades in their selection criteria as evidence ofconsistent academic achievement.

• You will need to decide whether to study for a law degreeor a non-law subject followed by a conversion course. Youwill normally need to obtain at least an upper secondclass degree.

THE INNER TEMPLE

04 | CAREERS GUIDE

The first point of contact for many of youconsidering a career at the Bar is one ofthe four renowned and historic Inns ofCourt. The same has been true forentrants to the Bar for over 600 years.

The Inner TempleTo decide which Inn of Court to join,

you should consider exploring thewebsites of each Inn of Court to seewhat services are offered to studentsand members or publications such asthis one. You might also wish to take atour of each of the Inns to considerwhich one has the atmosphere thatappeals most to you and contact theEducation and Training Departmentsshould you have any questions. Afundamental feature of the Inner Templeis its focus on education and training,from student to established practitioner.The dedicated Education and TrainingDepartment is responsible for thetraining of student members of the Inn,alongside the providers of the BarProfessional Training Course (BPTC,formerly known as the BVC), advocacytraining for pupils and new practitionersand the provision of continuing professionaldevelopment (CPD) courses.

For student members, the Innorganises many educational QualifyingSessions including residential weekendcourses, staffed and directed by itssenior members, lecture nights andvarious vocational workshops such asthose on Presentational Skills. All ofthese enable students to qualify for Callto the Bar. There are regularopportunities to meet and talk informallywith members of the judiciary and thepractising Bar. The Inn has a reputationfor its approachability and friendlinessand we are here to help you through theearly stages of your journey to the Bar.

The Department is also responsiblefor awarding scholarships for the lawconversion course, BPTC, disabilitygrants and internships. The Inn has astrong commitment to encouragepromising students from all walks of lifeand to give financial assistance whereappropriate to ensure that the cost ofbecoming a barrister is not a barrier.

Making an Informed DecisionIf you are intending to pursue a career

at the Bar, it is important that you arefamiliar with statistics regarding thenumber of people pursuing a career atthe Bar and the academic qualificationsrequired (see page 14). This will ensure

that you make informed decisions aboutyour future career.

As a competitive profession,academic merit, work experience andextra-curricular activities will beessential in securing that elusivepupillage and tenancy. Do not forgetthat upwards of 20% of the professionare at the Employed Bar, working in-house for organisations such as theCrown Prosecution Service, law firms orcorporations (see page 18).

The Inn offers a growing number ofevents for school and universitystudents considering a career at theBar. These include tours, large annualpresentations, regional receptions andworkshops (see page 19), all of which

can provide you with insight into the lifeof barristers.

The Inner Temple is committed toremoving barriers to enter theprofession. In conjunction with theNational Education Trust and Pathwaysto Law, the Inner Temple Schools Projectwas launched in 2008 with the aim ofensuring that school students are awareof the career opportunities available tothem at the modern Bar (see page 9).

If you have any further questions, donot hesitate to make contact with theDepartment’s staff who will be happy toanswer any of your questions (seepage 34). Good luck on your journey tothe Bar. We look forward to seeing youat the Inn in future years.

WELCOME TO THEINNER TEMPLE

THE INNER TEMPLE

WHAT IS AN INN OF COURT?

efore you begin your BarProfessional Training Course,you must join one of the four

historic ‘honourable societies’, the Inns of Court.

The four Inns of Court have distincthistories, coming into being around themiddle of the 14th century. The Inns heldsole responsibility for legal educationand therefore acted as gatekeepers tothe profession. While much of thisresponsibility has been devolved tohigher education institutions, the Innscontinue to play an essential part ineducation and training for the Bar.

The Inns of Court also continue tohold exclusive rights of admission to theBar. This process, known as ‘Call to theBar’ or ‘Call’, occurs after you havesuccessfully completed the BarProfessional Training Course (BPTC) andhave undertaken a number ofprofessional exercises in the form oftwelve ‘Qualifying Sessions’ at your Inn(see ‘Your BPTC Year’). However, Calldoes not entitle you to practise as abarrister as you must first complete

a year of pupillage – a form ofapprenticeship – and hold a practisingcertificate.

Students wishing to train for the Barmay choose which Inn to join but areonly able to apply to one forscholarships. The Inns provide a greatdeal of valuable financial assistance forthe various stages of becoming abarrister (see ‘Financial Assistance’).

Each Inn has three standard groups ofmembers: students, barristers andMasters of the Bench, or ‘Benchers’.Masters of the Bench form thegoverning body of the Inn and newBenchers are chosen from existingmembers in addition to honorarymembers, such as legal academics andusually at least one member of theRoyal Family. The senior Bencher of theInn is the Treasurer, a position held forone year. The Under or Sub-Treasureris the acting chief executive of the Inn. In1974, the Inns formed a Council of theInns of Court to oversee matters ofstandards and legal reforms on behalf

of all of the Inns. The General Council ofthe Bar (‘Bar Council’) and the BarStandards Board provide otherrepresentation and regulatory functionsfor the profession.

B

When?You must apply to join an Inn of Court by 31

May in the year that your BPTC commences. Thisis a requirement of the Bar Standards Board andthe BPTC Providers. You will not be allowed tostart the BPTC if you have not joined an Inn.Please note that you can only apply to join oneInn. The admission fees vary between the Innsbut the Inner Temple’s fee is £100, entitling you tolife membership.

How?To apply to the Inner Temple:• Download the forms online or receive an

application pack from the Education andTraining Department.

• You must be reading for or have completed alaw degree, or non-law degree and CPE/GDL.

• You will need two references frompeople of standing (such as aformer employer or tutor).

The Treasury Office is happy to giveprospective students advice on theirapplications: please call 020 7797 8250.The guidelines on applying to one of thefour Inns are also available on request fromthe Treasury Office.

Overseas Applicants:If you are not reading for a degree in the UK,

you must obtain confirmation from the BarStandards Board that your degree is of asuitable academic standard, and then supplya certified copy of this confirmation with yourapplication.

JOINING THEINNER TEMPLE

CAREERS GUIDE | 05

THE INNER TEMPLE

06 | CAREERS GUIDE

1160 First recordedhistory of land calledthe Temple when it wasacquired by theKnights of the Templeof Solomon ofJerusalem (KnightsTemplar).

1312 The order ofKnights Templarabolished and theirproperty seized on theorders of PopeClement V for allegedmalpractice.

1381 First record oflawyers occupying theTemple when WatTyler’s followersdestroy their lodgingsand burn their records.

1388 The earliestreference to the InnerTemple by name in alist of Sergeants-at-Law.

1506 First mention inthe Inn’s records of theLibrary. The Libraryhas been in continuoususe ever since.

1547 The earliestsurviving register ofInner Templeadmissions.

1608 James I grantsthe Temple to theBenchers of the Innerand Middle Temple.The grant is of thewhole Temple site,including the TempleChurch and otherbuildings, and is madeto the Benchers of eachof the two Inns byname.

1666 King’s BenchWalk destroyed by theGreat Fire of London.Current buildings datefrom 1678 to the early1800.

1732 The Temple ispartitioned by deedbetween Inner Templeand Middle Temple,with only the TempleChurch, Master’sHouse, Master’sgarden and thechurchyard remainingjointly owned.

1858 Dr Johnson’sBuildings constructed.These chamberscommemorate theresidence of DrSamuel Johnson, whichformerly stood on thesite.

1919 Membership ofthe Inns opened towomen.

1922 Ivy Williams, thefirst female barrister,called to the Bar by theInner Temple.

1940-41 Severalbuildings, includingthe Hall and Library,are destroyed byWorld War II air raids.Part of the TempleChurch is alsodestroyed.

1952 Her Majesty theQueen lays thefoundation stone forthe present Hall.

2008 400 yearanniversary of the Inn’sfirst Royal Charter.

HISTORY OF THEINNER TEMPLE

THE INNER TEMPLE

CAREERS GUIDE | 07

NOTABLE INNER TEMPLE MEMBERSBar & Judiciary

6 Supreme Court Justices• The Rt Hon The Lord Hughes of

Ombersley• The Rt Hon The Lord Mance(ad eundem)

• The Rt Hon The Lord Reed• The Rt Hon The Lord Sumption • The Rt Hon The Lord Toulson• The Rt Hon The Lord Wilson of Culworth • The Rt Hon The Lord Collins of

Mapesbury PC: former Supreme Court Justice (retired in 2011)

12 Lord Justices of Appeal• The Rt Hon Lord Justice Beatson FBA• The Rt Hon Lady Justice Black DBE• The Rt Hon Lord Justice Elias• The Rt Hon Lord Justice Floyd• The Rt Hon Lady Justice Gloster DBE• The Rt Hon Lady Justice Hallett DBE• The Rt Hon Lord Justice Laws• The Rt Hon Lord Justice Moore-Bick• The Rt Hon Lady Justice Rafferty (ad eundem)

• The Rt Hon Lady Justice Sharp DBE• The Rt Hon Lord Justice Tomlinson• The Rt Hon Lord Justice Vos

29 High Court Judges

141 Circuit Judges

Other Notable Figures• The Rt Hon Sir Anthony May: former

President of the Queen's Bench Divisionand Inner Temple Treasurer (2008-09)

• The Rt Hon The Lord Davidson of GlenClova QC: former Advocate General forScotland

• The Rt Hon The Lord Woolf PC: formerLord Chief Justice and architect of theCivil Procedure Rules

• Her Excellency Dame Rosalyn HigginsDBE QC: first female judge to beappointed to the International Court ofJustice, served as President of the ICJfrom 2006-2009

• The Rt Hon The Baroness Butler-Sloss ofMarsh Green GBE: first womanappointed as a Lord Justice of Appealand later appointed the first femalePresident of the Family Division of theHigh Court of Justice

• Dame Elizabeth Lane DBE (1905-1988):the first female judge in the County Court and later the first female High Court Judge

• Dr Ivy Williams (1877–1966): firstwoman to be called to the Bar, in 1922

• Leonard Woodley QC: first African-Caribbean to be appointed Queen’sCounsel

International• The Hon Justice Anthony Kennedy:

Associate of the Supreme Court of theUnited States of America

• The Hon Justice Stephen Breyer:Associate of the Supreme Court of theUnited States of America

• The Hon Justice Antonin Scalia:Associate of the Supreme Court of theUnited States of America

• The Hon Justice Ikechi Ogbuagu:Associate Justice of the Supreme Courtof Nigeria

Politics• The Rt Hon Jack Straw MP: former Lord

Chancellor and Secretary of State forJustice

• The Rt Hon The Lord Falconer ofThornton: former Lord Chancellor andSecretary of State for Constitutional Affairs

• The Rt Hon The Lord Irvine of Lairg:former Lord Chancellor

• The Rt Hon The Lord Mackay ofClashfern KT: former Lord Chancellorand Lord Clerk Registrar of Scotland

• The Rt Hon Michael Howard QC: formerMP, Cabinet Minister and laterConservative Leader of the Oppositionfrom 2003-2005

• Clement Attlee (1883-1967): BritishPrime Minister, known as the ‘founder ofthe Welfare State’

International• Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-

1948): architect of Indian independence• Tunku Abdul Rahman (1903-90):

founding father and first Prime Ministerof Malaysia

• The first three women from then BritishMalaya to be called to the Bar: BengHong Lim (1925), Soon Kim Teo (1927),Lucy See (1929)

• Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964): firstPrime Minister of India

• Mohammed Ali Jinnah (1876-1948): firstPresident of Pakistan

• Sir Seretse Khama (1921-80): firstPresident of Botswana

• William Paca (1740-1799): signatory tothe United States Declaration ofIndependence as a representative ofMaryland

• Don Richard Wijewardena (1886-1950):leader in the Sri Lankan independencemovement

• Donald Barkly Molteno (1908-1972):South African parliamentarian, lawyerand champion of civil rights

• His Excellency the Hon Arthur D Hanna:past Governor General of the Bahamas

• Dr The Hon Prime MinisterNavinchandra Ramgoolam: PrimeMinister of Mauritius

Royal• Royal Benchers have included James II

and George VI • Currently: The Duke of Edinburgh and

the Princess Royal, who served asMaster Royal Treasurer in 2011

• His Majesty King Jigme Khesar NamgyelWangchuck, King of Bhutan

Arts & Literature• Sir Ian McKellen CBE: actor• Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400): author of

the Canterbury Tales [reputed member]• Bram Stoker (1848-1912): author of

Dracula• Sir John Mortimer CBE QC (1923-2009):

author and playwright, creator of‘Rumpole of the Bailey’

• Sir W.S. Gilbert (1836-1911): dramatistand comic author who collaborated withSir Arthur Sullivan

• Arthur Brooke (d. circa 1563): poetknown for his work The Tragical Historyof Romeus and Juliet, considered to beWilliam Shakespeare's chief source forRomeo and Juliet

Academics• John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946):

economist who played an integral role atthe 1919 Versailles peace conference

• Karl Pearson (1857-1936): credited withestablishing the discipline ofmathematical statistics

• Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634): jurist andauthor who defended the supremacy ofParliament

Religious Leaders• The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby:

Lord Archbishop of Canterbury• The Most Revd Vincent Nichols:

Archbishop of Westminster• The Most Revd and Rt Hon Rowan Williams:

former Lord Archbishop of Canterbury• His Eminence Cardinal Cormac

Murphy-O'Connor: former LordArchbishop of Westminster

• Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks: ChiefRabbi of the United Hebrewcongregations of the Commonwealth

INNER TEMPLE

Facilities and ServicesThe Library offers the following

facilities and services:• Quiet environment for study, with over

90 reader places• Reference library of over 70,000

volumes, including the most up-to-date editions of major practitionertexts

• Comprehensive archive of old editionsof practitioners' works

• Specialist Commonwealth & Scottishcollections

• Enquiry service (in person, bytelephone and by email)

• Tours for students and pupils, plus avirtual tour on our website

• Photocopying facilities• Document supply service for

barristers in chambers• Internet access to the catalogues of all

four Inn Libraries• Free web access within the Library for

legal research (including subscription-based services)

• Computers for word processing andaccess to email

• Wi-Fi access• Assistance with online searching and

legal research• AccessToLaw, a gateway site providing

annotated links to selected UK,Commonwealth and worldwide legalwebsites (www.accesstolaw.com)

• Current Awareness blog for legalnews, changes in legislation and newcase law (www.innertemplelibrary.com)

• Quarterly electronic newsletter• Legal research FAQs the Library's

website• Facebook page with information on

library services, news and events • Equipment and software for users with

hearing or visual impairment

Details of the Library's collections,services and contact details are on ourwebsite at www.innertemplelibrary.org.uk

The Inner Temple’s historic grounds,which include six Grade I listedbuildings, are in the heart of the legaldistrict in London, close to the RoyalCourts of Justice and St Paul’s Cathedral.Our extensive estate is predominantlyrented out to barristers’ chambers.

The Pegasus BarThe Pegasus Bar opened in May 2004

and is on the ground floor of theTreasury Building. Access is via theLibrary Entrance to the building or viathe front of the Treasury Building. Thebar has a relaxing, modern atmosphere,complemented by an eclectic mix ofBritish cuisine and contemporary drinks.The bar is open to members of the Innsof Court and their guests.

HallLunch is served every weekday

during the legal terms and includes aselection of hot main courses, a saladbar and hot and cold desserts, alloverseen by our Head Chef, MartinCheesman, who has formerly worked for

Prime Ministers, Royalty and well knownmedia personalities.

Dress code of smart clothing isobserved. Lunch is served between12.30pm and 1.45pm and a student / pupildiscount is available.

The Gardens The Inn benefits from three acres of

beautiful gardens. The Inner TempleGarden is usually open daily between12.30pm and 3pm throughout the year.

Temple Church On the North side of our Hall is one of

the most historic churches in London.Founded by the legendary KnightsTemplar, the Church was consecrated in1185 and has stood throughout theCrusades, the founding of the AnglicanChurch and the World Wars. In addition tobeing renowned for church music, it isalso a site for contemporary legaldebates. During the 400th Anniversarycelebrations, an important series on Islamand English Law was held in the church.

THE INNER TEMPLE LIBRARY& OTHER FACILITIESThe Library is open to all members of the Inner Temple and other Inns of Court. It isstaffed by experienced information professionals and offers users access to a widerange of print and electronic resources in a comfortable working environment.

Other Facilities at the Inner Temple

08 | CAREERS GUIDE

CAREERS GUIDE | 09

THE INNER TEMPLE

The Inner Temple launched a pioneering Schools Projectin 2008 to ensure that all students, regardless of theirbackground, are aware of the opportunities available tothem at the modern Bar. It has recently featured in theMilburn Report on Fair Access to Professional Careers.

The programme consists of a number of eventsthroughout the year and workshops for school students inyears 12 and 13. These events include talks from memberson different areas of law, legal case exercises, a debatingtournament and opportunities to interact informally withpractising barristers. The project was launched inconjunction with the National Education Trust (NET), andnow also works with the national Pathways to Lawprogramme. Pathways supports high-achieving state schoolstudents into law faculties and the legal professions.

Tips for school students• Choose your A-level subjects carefully, having researched

university entry requirements• Obtain good grades at A-Level in ‘core’ traditional

subjects• Apply for work experience in a solicitors’ firm, legal clinic

or Citizens Advice Bureau • Visit your local courts during the holidays• Participate in extracurricular activities such as mooting,

debating, public speaking, drama and volunteering• See if you are eligible for the Social Mobility Foundation's

Aspiring Professionals Programme, offering workexperience, and Pathways to Law

For School TeachersIf you would like a barrister to give a talk to your

school students, please contact the Bar Council:careers@barcouncil.org.uk regarding the ‘Speak Up forOthers’ Scheme.

INNER TEMPLE SCHOOLS PROJECT

School students on Pathways to Law programme at Inner Temple

10 | CAREERS GUIDE

THE INNER TEMPLE

ROUTE TO THE BAR

LAW CONVERSION COURSE (GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN LAW OR

COMMON PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION)

1 year full-time / 2 years part-time

NON-QUALIFYING LAW DEGREE

APPLICATION FOR INNS OF COURT SCHOLARSHIPS

See page 21 Deadline: 1st Friday in November the year before the BPTC

BAR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING COURSE AND INNS OF COURT QUALIFYING SESSIONS

See page 25: 1 year full-time / 2 years part time

CALL TO THE BAR

See page 31

BAR COURSE APTITUDE TEST

For more information see: www.pearsonvue.com/bsb/

PUPILLAGE

See pages 1512-18 months in chambers or other Approved Training Organisations

TENANCY / EMPLOYED POSITION

See page 18

QUALIFYING LAW DEGREE

JOIN AN INN OF COURT

See page 5 Deadline: 31st May in the year you commence your BPTC. Prospective students will have to complete the

Bar Course Aptitude Test before they commence the course.

JOURNEY TO THE BAR

CAREERS GUIDE | 11

Mini-pupillages

Before committing yourself to a careerat the Bar, it is helpful to get an idea ofwhat the profession entails on a day-to-day basis. The best way of doing this isby undertaking work experience inchambers. Formal placements areknown as ‘mini-pupillages’. These areshort placements, normally betweentwo and five days in duration, that willallow you to shadow one or morebarristers in order to get an idea of theirpractice area. Activities might rangefrom reading and discussing casepapers to attending conferences orcourt proceedings. Undertaking arange of mini-pupillages in various setswill also expose you to different practiceareas, helping you to decide whichareas you might want to specialise in.Even if you have a fairly good idea ofpreferred practice areas, it isrecommended that you get to see avariety of chambers – both in Londonand on Circuit. Undertaking ‘minis’ areessential for Inns of Court scholarshipand pupillage applications as theydemonstrate your dedication to a careerat the Bar. You should seriously considerundertaking at least three mini-pupillages before beginning thescholarship or pupillage applicationprocess.

Some chambers require applicants toundertake a mini-pupillage at their setof chambers in order to be eligible toapply for a pupillage there. If this is thecase, be mindful of deadlines so thatyou do not miss out on doing a mini-pupillage at a particular set before youhave to apply to them. Other sets willassess the mini-pupillage and use it aspart of their selection criteria.Assessments will vary, but may be inthe form of submission of some writtenwork or participation in a mockconference.

Visit the Pupillage Gateway(www.pupillagegateway.com) in orderto find out which chambers offer mini-pupillages. From there, you will be ableto visit the websites of the chambers which interest you to find out their

application process. Most chambersinvite prospective mini-pupils to sendtheir CV and covering letter, whereasother sets have application forms andothers operate a first-come, first-servedsystem. Timings of mini-pupillages alsovary, with some chambers runningthem throughout the year and othersrunning them only in specific periods ofthe year, each with their ownapplication deadlines.

While some chambers accept A-levelstudents, the majority prefer their mini-pupils to be studying for a law degreeor to be on a law conversion course.

Some tips for making a good impressionduring your mini-pupillage:• Be punctual• Dress appropriately (you cannot go

wrong with a dark suit)• Ensure the clerks have your mobile

number and keep it with you at all times (but off in court)

• Take notes of every meeting and record who you worked with as it may be useful when applying for pupillages later.

• Be sure to keep a record of who youare shadowing and ensure youremember their name.

• On your last day be sure to thankeveryone who helped you especiallythe clerks. You may wish to follow upwith a hand written thank you note.

Other work experience

Aside from mini-pupillages, there aremany other types of work experiencethat can be valuable. Work experience insolicitors’ firms will not only help youmake an informed choice about whichbranch of the profession you wish toenter, but also give you a wider view ofthe legal profession as a whole. Otheruseful forms of legal experience includevolunteering at a Citizens Advice Bureauor law centre, marshalling (shadowing ajudge), or taking on cases via the FreeRepresentation Unit. If you decide to takea year out to strengthen your CV, youmay be able to work as a paralegal, ajudicial assistant or a research assistant.

Non-legal work experience, even ifjust casual or part-time work, shouldalso be mentioned on applications as itcan show development of relevant skills.Volunteering and positions ofresponsibility can be relevant to yourfuture practice as a barrister, especiallyif it involves a public speaking element.

Any experience, whether sitting in yourlocal court or participating in adebating competition, can potentiallyhelp strengthen your applications, somake sure you learn as much as youcan from each experience and beprepared to talk about it at interview.

WORK EXPERIENCE & MINI PUPILLAGES

Pegasus AccessScheme

The Inner Temple, inassociation with sixty

partner chambers, runs

a scheme to help ensure that more students have theopportunity to undertake

a mini-pupillage. Universitystudents from under-

represented backgrounds in the profession are invitedto apply and, if successful, are placed with one of theparticipating chambers. For full eligibility criteria and to apply, please visit

www.pegasus.me.

The Project has recently been highlighted

as good practice in the Legal Education &

Training Review.

12 | CAREERS GUIDE12 | CAREERS GUIDE

HOW DO I BECOME A BARRISTER?

JOURNEY TO THE BAR

Simon O'Toole (Master of the Bench) presents to students

LAW STUDENTS

Year 1 Law

• Research the legal profession and attend Inner Temple events (see page 19)

• Apply for work experience: inparticular mini-pupillages inchambers and placements in law firms

• Become involved in universitysocieties such as your law/Barsocieties, mooting or debating

Final Year Law

• Obtain a 2.1 or higher in yourdegree

• Apply for Inns’ Scholarships: theInns’ BPTC Scholarships deadline isthe first Friday in November

• Apply for BPTC through the CentralApplications system atwww.barprofessionaltraining.org.uk

• Join an Inn of Court (compulsory tojoin by 31st May before starting theBPTC)

• Undertake the Bar Course AptitudeTest (BCAT)

• Apply for 'deferred pupillages'(obtained prior to starting the BPTC)

• Attend Pupillage Fairs

Year 2 Law

• Investigate funding possibilitiesfor the Bar Professional TrainingCourse (BPTC)

• Check closing dates and obtainapplication details for the BPTC

• Apply for mini-pupillages andother law-related workexperience

• Attend Legal Careers Fairs(normally October–December)and Pupillage Fairs (normallyMarch/April)

• Enquire about pupillageapplications (summer)

NON-LAW STUDENTS

Final Year Non-Law

• Check law conversion course (CPE/GDL) closing datesfor applications to courses (application processnormally from November to February). Most institutionsallocate places through the Central Applications Boardat: www.lawcabs.ac.uk

• Investigate funding possibilities for the law conversioncourse. (The Inns’ Conversion Course Scholarshipsdeadline is the first Friday in May)

• Apply for mini-pupillages and other law-related workexperience

• Attend Legal Careers Fairs (normally October/December) and Pupillage Fairs (normally March/April)

• Enquire about pupillage applications (summer)• Obtain application details for BPTC (summer)

Conversion Course Year

• Join an Inn of Court (compulsory to join by 31st May beforestarting the BPTC)

• Apply for BPTC through the Central Applications system atwww.barprofessionaltraining.org.uk

• Apply for Inns’ BPTC Scholarships by closing date (firstFriday in November)

• Apply for deferred pupillage via the Pupillage Gateway(March/April)

• Undertake the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT)• Attend Pupillage Fairs

CAREERS GUIDE | 13

JOURNEY TO THE BAR

BPTC YEAR

Bar Professional Training Course

• One year skills-based course (two years for part-time students) designed to prepare students for their twelve months of pupillage and to lay thefoundations for future practice

• Taught at one of the validated BPTC Institutions inEngland and Wales (see page 35)

• Prospective students should research providersand see the Bar Standards Board’s reports ofmonitoring visits to the providers

• An aptitude test for entry onto the BPTC wasintroduced in 2013

PUPILLAGE

During your BPTC Year

Complete twelve Qualifying Sessions with your Inn in order to beCalled to the Bar.

These take the form of advocacy weekends, education days,lectures and collegiate dining (see page 27).

Take advantage of the Mentoring, Marshalling and Police LiaisonSchemes offered by the Inn (see page 28).

You may find the following useful in preparation for pupillageinterviews:• Mock interviews – arranged by the Inn• Mini-pupillages• Pupillage Advice Evening – arranged by the Inn

Pupillage

In order to practise as a barrister youmust undertake a pupillage. This is a oneyear ‘apprenticeship’ with chambers orother approved organisation (e.g. CrownProsecution Service, Government LegalService, etc).

Your pupillage year is split into twoparts: a non-practising six months anda practising six months.

Pupillages are funded to a minimum of£12,000 per year, with some chamberspaying upwards of £65,000.

First six months

The first six months consist of shadowingone or more Pupil Supervisors and othermembers of chambers and usually involveundertaking legal research, draftingopinions and observing in court.

First six pupils must successfullycomplete the following training in order toreceive a practising certificate:

• Advocacy Training Course organisedby the Inns of Court and Circuits

• Practice Management Courseorganised by the Inns of Court andCircuits

In addition, pupils can embark uponthe Forensic Accounting Course(see page 32).

Second six months

During the second six months, pupilswill continue to shadow a PupilSupervisor but will also be allowed toaccept professional instructions. Onsatisfactory completion of the secondsix, pupils will receive a FullQualification Certificate.

First three years of practice

New practitioners, whether in self-employed practice or atthe Employed Bar, are required to complete a minimum of 45hours of continuing professional development (CPD), includingat least nine hours of advocacy training and three hours ofethics training.

The advocacy and ethics training is provided by the Inns ofCourt and Circuits. The Inner Temple course takes the form ofa combined Advocacy and Ethics Residential Weekend (seepage 33).

Tenancy or the Employed Bar

On completion of the New Practitioners’ Programme, allpractising barristers must complete 12 hours of CPD trainingper year for every year they continue to practise (see page33).

TENANCY & BEYOND

he Inner Temple is a strong and diversecommunity. A recent study has looked at theInn’s students’ progression to pupillage from

2004-05 to 2012-13. Approximately 1 in 12 applicantssuccessfully obtains a pupillage at the Bar of England and Wales, so it is essential that you have a realisticprospect of obtaining one before starting the BarProfessional Training Course.

Gender and raceIn the last five years, more females than males have

been taken on as pupil barristers, with a high of 62% in 2007-08. Over the same period, an average of 15% of pupils were from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Undergraduate educationA law degree remains the leading entry qualification

into the Bar but significantly less so than in the past. 48% of Inner Temple pupils in 2012-13 graduated innon-law degrees and subsequently completed the lawconversion course. This is compared to 33% in 2004-05.However, high academic merit remains the leadingfactor of progression to pupillage.

It has become progressively more difficult to obtain a pupillage with a lower-second class degree. Onaverage, around 3% now gain pupillage with a 2:2, themajority of whom will have a number of years of workexperience.

T

Undergraduate UK Universities of Inner Temple Pupils

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

■ Post-1992 Universities ■ Other Pre-1992 Universities■ Other Russell Group Universities ■ Oxbridge

(*note changes of Russell Group membership from 2012)

■ Non-law ■ Law

■ 2.2 ■ 2.1 ■ 1st

2005-6 2006-7 2007-8 2008-9 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

2005-6 2006-7 2007-8 2008-9 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Degree Subject of Inner Temple Pupils

14 | CAREERS GUIDE

INNERTEMPLE RESEARCH:CHARACTERISTICS OF PUPILS

JOURNEY TO THE BAR

HIGH ACADEMIC MERITREMAINS THE LEADINGFACTOR OF PROGRESSIONTO PUPILLAGE. IN ADDITION,LEGAL WORK EXPERIENCE,RELEVANT EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES(SUCH AS DEBATING,MOOTING AND DRAMA) ANDOTHER ACCOLADES ARE ALLIMPORTANT.

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%2005-6 2006-7 2007-8 2008-9 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Degree Classification of Inner Temple Pupils

CAREERS GUIDE | 15

Lara Akande, Pupil, Lamb Chambers

Upon leaving secondary school I knew thata career in law was for me. At the time I didnot know what type of legal career I wantedbut law seemed the natural choice to pursue atuniversity as I had enjoyed history, drama andsociology during my secondary education.

I decided to undertake a four year, thin-sandwich, law degree that included two six-month workplacements in solicitors firms as a paralegal and an outdoor clerk.These work placements were invaluable as they provided apractical insight into both limbs of the profession, which at thatstage I knew very little about.

I then worked as a legal assistant in Refugee and MigrantJustice (RMJ), a NGO for asylum seekers and refugees, where Ihad the opportunity to take part in grassroots legal work. Whilst atRMJ, I joined Inner Temple and applied for a scholarship toundertake the Bar Vocational Course (now Bar ProfessionalTraining Course). I felt privileged to have been granted anExhibition Award and Duke of Edinburgh Entrance Award byInner Temple.

I applied for pupillage during my year at Bar school but wasunable to secure one at that time. I was not disheartened, andsimply viewed this interim period as a fantastic opportunity tobuild my CV. At the end of 2010, I was called to the Bar andmoved to Nigeria to undertake an internship. I was granted anInternship Award from Inner Temple and set off on my travels toexperience this far away land. After completing a three-monthinternship with a legal, human rights NGO, I was offered apermanent position as a legal officer on its disability and tortureproject. Even though I had found a home in Nigeria for a yearand a half, I was still drawn to the pull of the Bar and never lostsight of my goal.

After three years of applications, I was delighted to acceptpupillage at Lamb Building. I am currently in my second six and on my feet in court. Even though it is hard work and alwayschallenging, I still catch myself smiling.

My advice to aspiring barristers and those trying to get pupillageis as follows:

1. Work on your CV. Make sure you fill it with relevant workexperience, internships, volunteering and additional qualifications.

2. Have a life. If you want to take some time out to travel or do agap year then do it! Realistically you may not get the chanceafter you start practice. Remember, a career at the Bar is alifelong career if you so choose.

3. Get involved in Inner Temple’s debating, mooting and dramasocieties/clubs. Involvement in these activities will assist in thedevelopment of your advocacy and analytical skills inpreparation for interviews and second six, looks great on yourCV and gives you the opportunity to mingle with those who willultimately be your colleagues in the near future.

4. Undertake a few mini-pupillages and apply to take part in InnerTemple’s Marshalling and Police Liaison Schemes.

5. Join the Free Representation Unit. It’s a great way to helppeople and gain advocacy experience before pupillage.

6. Give yourself enough time to complete pupillage applicationforms. Pupillage is not a job. A pupillage application shouldnot be approached in the same way you would a jobapplication, i.e. completing it the night before the deadline.Pupillage applications require a tactical and tailored approach.

7. Always have a second pair of eyes read over your pupillageapplication forms before submitting them.

8. If being a barrister is what you really want, then do not give up. For many it is a long road but keep applying.

9. Prepare for your interviews as much as possible by keepingup-to-date with current affairs and changes in your area of law.

10. Most importantly, when it comes to the all important pupillageinterview, it sounds a bit cliché but just be yourself!

TIPSFROM OUR PUPILSJOURNEY TO THE BAR

16 |CAREERS GUIDE

JOURNEY TO THE BAR

Sam Ritchie, Pupil, Fountain CourtChambers

The Bar is quite an intimidating prospect;the expense is huge and the statistics speakfor themselves. So whilst at university, I initiallythought about going to one of the big Citysolicitors’ firms and had actually accepted atraining contract. However, as I approachedthe start of the LPC at the end of a postuniversity gap year travelling, the more I

realised that I really wanted to engage with the law ‘at the coalface’and decided that trying to get pupillage was a risk worth taking.

Although I had a first class degree, I decided to go back touniversity to do a Master’s degree. However, I needed somemoney to be able to pay for this and so worked for a yearbeforehand as a legal researcher at a commercial law firm. Thiswas excellent experience of the practical application of law, andof many of the pressures that working as a lawyer can present.

Whilst I was doing my Master’s degree, I was fortunate enoughto be awarded the Peter Taylor Scholarship by the Inner Temple,which took a huge amount of pressure off funding the BarProfessional Training Course. I also went through the process ofapplying for pupillage, which involved shuttling backwards and

forwards to London during exam season for interviews. Theformat of each was quite different. Some chambers do tworounds, some only do one. Some required specific legalknowledge, others were based more on reasoning from basiclegal principles. All of them were fairly nerve racking; walkinginto a room to be interviewed by at least five people sittingaround a table who argue for a living is not how you wouldnecessarily choose to spend a Saturday afternoon.

However, the interview season paid off and I managed tosecure an offer from Fountain Court and started my pupillagein October 2012, the same month that Inner Temple called meto the Bar. Being a commercial set, the work is very paperbased and I have spent most of my time writing opinions,drafting pleadings or pulling together research notes to assistthe members of chambers. Although pupillage is a naturallystressful period, the work is incredibly interesting andeveryone I have met has been very supportive. However, itwould not be for everyone and I think the most important thingbefore applying for pupillage is to be sure about the kind ofwork you want to do.

Although people talk about a ‘Career at the Bar’, the day-to-day lives of barristers in different practice areas varyenormously. For example, if the most important thing to you isoral advocacy and being on your feet, the commercial Bar isprobably not for you. So do several mini-pupillages to get someexposure to different areas if you are not sure.

Harry Adamson, Pupil, BlackstoneChambers

I would offer three pieces of advice tothose taking their first steps to pupillage.

The first is probably the most obvious, butit is that you should have a clear-eyed pictureat the very beginning that it’s a tough oldroad to pupillage. Doing well in yourundergraduate degree or GDL is difficult.

The pupillage application process is long and rigorous.

It sounds disparaging to say that at the start of a feature on thesteps to pupillage, but it’s not intended to be. It genuinely helps, Ithink, to make the decision to apply in full knowledge that it willtake dedication to get to where you want to be. Every successfulapplicant, bar none, will have had moments where they found ittough – stick with it.

Second, it’s never too early to start thinking about your CV. Youneed to make all sorts of choices in order to get to the placewhere you end up doing pupillage. First, for those (like me) whocome to law after another subject, why the change? Whybarrister over solicitor? Why this area of law? Why this set ofchambers?

You will, no doubt, be asked those questions in both interviewsand application forms. Those assessing your application will haveseen hundreds of forms. They will be very used to genericanswers (“I really like law and public speaking”, rephrased in

different ways). I cannot tell you how comforting it is in interviewto be able to point to particular lines in your CV that you can useto justify the choices you made. You can say that you didthis particular piece of work experience, and liked this and thataspect of it. Given other things you’ve done, you think you’velearned skills that are directly applicable. It impresses theinterviewer and it makes your life easier. But perhaps moreimportant than that, it means that you yourself will know that thedecisions you’ve made are the right ones. That will give you thetenacity you will need to get through the tough times alreadymentioned.

Remember that it doesn’t need to be endless streams of mini-pupillages that bulk up your CV. There are plenty of enjoyablealternatives that can speak volumes about your ability anddedication to the Bar. If you act or play music, develop that. Ifyou’re particularly passionate about a cause, work for it, oradvocate for it, or publish your thoughts about it. Get your handsdirty in life outside of studies. There is such a variety of skills thatare useful to a barrister, you’re bound to learn something thatmakes those interviews just a little bit easier. And it’s fun, andcould benefit a good cause.

Finally, join the Inner Temple! It’s a genuinely lovely Inn, filledwith people from a real mix of backgrounds, and stuffed withbarristers who are willing to give untold amounts of their timesupporting your education. It’s an excellent first step.

CAREERS GUIDE | 17

JOURNEY TO THE BAR

One of the greatest things about the Bar is that it attracts somany amazing and extraordinary people. I’m not talking aboutintellectual brilliance, although there are members of theprofession who are exceptionally bright. What I enjoy more arethe characters. Being a barrister is all about people and howyou interact with them. Potentially, this is where people comingto the Bar as a second career may have an advantage.

I left school in 1991. I spent five glorious years serving withthe Royal Marines before becoming a police officer in theThames Valley Police. A career at the Bar never even crossedmy mind… until I set foot in a Crown Court. I was genuinelyinspired by the barristers I saw and fascinated by their work.This culminated with an experience at the Old Bailey whichnudged me to take a huge leap of faith.

I wasn’t a graduate, so I had to start from scratch and studiedmy LLB at Oxford Brookes University. This was tough for myfamily, not least because I have three daughters (and childrenare expensive!).

I was also incredibly lucky. The Inner Temple awarded mescholarships which funded my BVC (now BPTC). Without theInn, none of this would have been possible. The strongestadvice I can give any prospective barrister is to make full use ofthe opportunities and support offered by the Inner Temple.

My fortune did not end there as I managed to secure pupillage.Being a mature student was, in my view, both a blessing and ahindrance. Previous life experience undoubtedly helped me getpupillage. That said, there are still those with particular views ofwhat an applicant needs to have on their CV to be a competitivecandidate. This can make it more difficult for older applicantswho may have considerable pressures and responsibilitiesoutside work.

I am now a tenant at No.18 Chambers in Southampton. This iswhere life experience really has paid off. My practice is veryfamily law focused, with a significant proportion being carework. I am sure that having experienced some of life’s ups anddowns, I am better able to ‘connect’ to clients; to understandtheir problems and to effectively advocate for them.

The difficulties of retraining later in life have undoubtedlybeen worth it. Don’t expect to make millions. You have to workincredibly hard these days, particularly given the fears about thevery future of the self-employed publicly-funded Bar.

But fortune favours the brave. I am proud of the vitalcontribution barristers make to our democratic society. I hopethe profession continues to attract so many wonderful peoplefrom diverse backgrounds particularly those who benefit fromprevious careers.

CAREER CHANGERSRobin Shane, Barrister, No. 18 Chambers

18 | CAREERS GUIDE

Private FirmsEd WintersAssistant GeneralCounsel, RufferLLP

I decided to leaveself-employedpractice a year aftercompletingpupillage. The

primary reason was that I had becomedeeply interested in investment funds andwanted to apply my skills less to litigioussituations (e.g. disputes between assetmanagers and investors) and more tostructuring the funds themselves.Consequently, I was compelled to move in-house in order to access a legal field thatwas not truly practised then (or indeednow) at the self-employed Bar. Now,breaking into the Employed Bar is alwayssomewhat haphazard (unless you apply toone of the main recruiters such as theCrown Prosecution Service orGovernment Legal Service), but I wasfortunate enough to be offered a positionas an associate with a City law firm inresponse to an advert I had seen in thelegal press. The adjustment to life inemployed practice centred oncommunication; wonderfully detailedopinions were replaced by short emailsand conference calls. Direct access to layclients meant that advice had to be madereadily understood as they wanted briefanswers rather than long explanations. Theother facet that was relatively unfamiliarwas working as part of a large team andthe necessity to keep both partners andpeers informed of my contribution tocurrent matters; welcome to the world of“cc-ing” people on emails. There’s no silomentality at the Employed Bar.

Eight years, later I am employed asAssistant General Counsel for an assetmanager based in London. My typicalworking day ranges from presenting legaldue diligence reports on multi-millionpound investments to directors of variousfund boards, briefing senior managementon regulatory developments andrecommending changes to our businessmodel as a consequence, through tonegotiating contracts with third partysuppliers. There’s considerable variety onany given day, though advocacy ispervasive through all my work. It may notbe within a formal setting (though it hasbeen when it’s been in front of theregulator as was the case with a previousemployer), but it is focused on usingwords to persuade individuals of themerits of a course of action. Therefore, inessence I am still utilising the skills I honedat the self-employed Bar. However, what Ienjoy about being employed (other than28 days a year of paid holiday) is the fact

that, having been immersed in myemployer’s business for several years, Iunderstand what we are trying to achieveas a firm and have been able to makerecommendations that are sympathetic toour goals. I am listened to as much for mycommercial opinion as my ability tomanage legal risk. Thankfully the ability toanalyse the facts and choose a course ofaction has not departed me! I am pleased to say that life at theEmployed Bar has not resulted in adeparture from those facets of my self-employed career, rather those skills learnedin early morning appearances in court aredeployed within a commercial vocabularyand acumen. I have been fortunate to learnfrom some wise non-lawyers.

If you enjoy the idea of having greaterinteraction with your lay clients and youwould like greater exposure to the internalworkings of a business, you shouldconsider a career at the Employed Bar.Additionally, if you relish the idea of havingreal variety and an opportunity to stepoutside the strict remit of being a lawyer,then this side of the profession issomewhere you will thrive.

GovernmentSaoirse CowleyTreasurySolicitor’sDepartment, Government LegalService

I work for theTreasury Solicitor’sDepartment which

is part of the Government Legal Service(GLS – get used to using acronyms, theyare gospel in Government). The GLS isthe organisational name used todescribe approximately 2000 lawyersworking in the legal teams of 30Departments of State, regulatory bodiesand other Government organisations.Comprising approximately 600 lawyersand trainees, TSol, as is it known in thecivil service, is the largest legal teamwithin the GLS and provides a variety oflegal services to the Government. Webreak this down into two core areas:advisory work and litigation, althoughnaturally the split is never that clearlydefined in practice. Our work covers awide variety of areas from advising on aBill that will go through Parliament torunning litigation at the forefront ofGovernment Policy development. Manyof the cases that you see in the pressinvolving the Government in anycapacity have been run by mydepartment. These include Abu Qatada,Noor Khan, Prison Voting Rights, theLeeds Riots, the list goes on.

I joined TSol via the GLS legal traineerecruitment scheme and trained as anemployed barrister, which involved fourseats of six months each. In my case, thoseseats were: immigration litigation whichinvolves fast paced, Human Rights-basedJudicial Reviews; six months in a leadingpublic law set where I was supervised bytwo different pupil supervisors andexperienced life at the self-employed Baradvising the Government; the HumanRights Team in the Ministry of Justice,where I advised on Human Rights litigationand policy; and the Cabinet Office where Iadvised on employment of civil servants.My work will often start at breakfast whereI will scan a couple of newspapers to seewhat might land in my inbox. It is notuncommon that any plans I had the daybefore will be completely thrown out of thewindow. While it can be rather daunting attimes turning up at meetings with seniorcivil servants from across Whitehall withnothing but a big question and the answeryou have only had half an hour to consider,it is exhilarating. It goes without saying thatthe teamwork in Government is asimpressive and supportive as you wouldhope. I can call any number of lawyers orpolicy people for assistance on specialistareas as we forge our way to develop newlegal principles.

Advocacy is a large part of my job, thoughnot in the traditional way. For example, Iattend a large number of meetings, oftenwith senior civil servants or GovernmentMinisters, and have to explain complexlegal matters in terms that non-lawyers willunderstand. Switching from legal speak toeveryday English is a skill that all lawyersshould have.

Alongside the standard benefits ofemployment, such as pensions, sickleave and paid holidays that come withworking in the civil service, the corebenefit for me is that the law isincredible. Almost every question thatcrosses my desk is one to which there isno clear current legal answer; my work iscutting edge and is often creating newlegal principles in unchartered territory.A colleague of mine once described thisjob as a constant legal examination (in anice way) and he was absolutely right.

One of the advantages of Governmentwork is that, much like the Cabinet or theGovernment itself, we often change roles.My time as a GLS lawyer has been, andcontinues to be, an absolute joy and I justcannot imagine doing, or wanting to do,anything else. If you like the sound of it,apply for a apply for a paid one weekstudent placement within TSol or atraining contract or pupillage with thewider GLS. Good luck!

CAREERS AT THE BAR: THE EMPLOYED BAR

JOURNEY TO THE BAR

FIND OUT MOREEVENT WHEN? WHO? REGISTRATION

Activities throughout the year

Tours of the Inner Temple Normally held at 10:30am onWednesdays and 2.30pm onFridays in alternating weeks

University students andgraduates considering acareer at the Bar

See Contact Details on page34 . Please email: tours@innertemple.org.uk

Group tours for studentsocieties

Monday to Thursdays duringthe legal term

University law or Barsocieties.

Please email the OutreachCo-ordinator

Local talks Throughout the academicyear

The Inn organises a localpractitioner to speak to yourlaw or Bar society

Please email the OutreachCo-ordinator

Activities at specified times

Careers at the BarPresentations

Held annually in London andin three other locationsnationwide

October

Undergraduates of alldisciplines interested in acareer at the Bar

Check the Inner Templewebsite under ForthcomingEvents

Law Fairs Various times and dates –check with your careersservice

October-December

Check with your careersservice

Check the Inner Templewebsite under ForthcomingEvents and with your careersservice

Intervarsity Moot & IVDebate, Inner Temple

Late January/early February

Any university mooting ordebating society

Please email theScholarships & StudentsManager

Pupillage Fair February/March Anyone seeking pupillageadvice

www.targetpupillagefair.co.uk

Dinner to the Universities,Inner Temple

March Invited university law or Barsocieties

To register your society’sinterest, please email theOutreach Manager

Regional Receptions A number of receptions areheld across England andWales each year

November-June

Undergraduates of alldisciplines interested in acareer at the Bar

Check the Inner Templewebsite under ForthcomingEvents

Question & Answer Day,Inner Temple

May/June Undergraduates of alldisciplines interested in acareer at the Bar

Check the Inner Templewebsite under ForthcomingEvents

CAREERS GUIDE | 19

HOW TO LEARN MORE

20 | CAREERS GUIDE

Regional Receptions In addition to the four large university

presentations that the Inn runs annually,smaller receptions are organisednationwide. These receptions bringtogether local practitioners withuniversity students in the area andprovide aspiring barristers withinformation about careers at the Bar inan informal atmosphere. The locationsof these receptions rotate annually.

"The evening was enriching andinteresting, and it was highlyuseful to have an event hosted inmy local area as travelling toLondon regularly as a student forsuch events is problematic."

Dinner to the UniversitiesDinner to the Universities is an annual

event for undergraduate students andthose on the law conversion course whoare interested in a career at the Bar.Students from a wide range of universitiesare invited to this black tie dinner at theInn where they meet practising membersand have the opportunity to ask questionsabout the Bar and the Inner Temple.

"The ornate but down to earthsetting and ambience of the InnerTemple was particularly delightfuland charming to experience - atruly unforgettable evening as wellas being of great practical value forone's future career as a barrister."

Question and Answer DayQuestion & Answer Day is run in

conjunction with the Junior BarAssociation. The full-day Sunday eventin May or June is advertised to

undergraduate students at alluniversities in England and Wales thatoffer a qualifying law degree.Information workshops are held onfunding studies, legal CVs, the BPTC,life as a pupil, junior tenant andemployed barrister, pupillage interviewtips and more.

University PresentationsFour large university presentations

are run in London and at three otherlocations every year. Eachpresentation includes a panel ofspeakers with a pupil, self-employed

barrister, employed barrister andjudge. During the subsequentreceptions, university students havethe opportunity to gain further one-to-one advice from members. In 2012,the Chairs of the panels were: • Peter Blair QC• The Rt Hon Lord Justice Elias• Jonathan Hirst QC• The Rt Hon the Lord Sumption

Law Fairs Over the Michaelmas term, the

Inner Temple and Bar Council attend overtwenty Law and Careers Fairs throughoutEngland and Wales. Hundreds ofuniversity students have the opportunityto speak to members of staff from theEducation and Training Department aboutpursuing a career at the Bar, InnerTemple’s scholarships, and educationprogrammes, and life at the Inn.

SETTING UP A BAR SOCIETYhe Inner Temple has links with many universities, whether through law, Bar or Inns of Court student societies. TheInner Temple helps societies to organise talks by barristers, moots, dinners and other events throughout the year.For those universities outside London, we often put societies in touch with local barristers or judges who are willing

to come and speak to them.Our Mooting and Debating Societies will give advice to university societies about organising moots and debates and may

be able to assist with competitions. We can also send you information to distribute to fellow students who may beconsidering a career at the Bar. Please get in touch with the Outreach Co-ordinator for further information and to registeryour interest.

T

FOR UNIVERSITYSTUDENTS

HOW TO LEARN MORE

Dinner to the Universities

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

CAREERS GUIDE | 21

or many years, the InnerTemple has sought to help itsstudents financially, both fromits current income and from

funds provided by the generosity of itsmembers, past and present, and otherbenefactors. In 2014, the Inn intends tomake awards to a total value of£1,500,000 divided between:

1 Scholarships and Exhibitions for the Bar Professional Training Course

2 Scholarships and Exhibitions for thelaw conversion course (CPE/GDL)

3 Duke of Edinburgh EntranceScholarships

4 Benefactors’ Scholarships & Prizes for Pupillage

5 Internship Awards and Sir JosephPriestley Scholarships

6 Disability Grants

Applications for Scholarships andExhibitions awards for either theCPE/GDL or BPTC may be made beforeor after joining the Inner Temple but anapplicant must not be a member of anyother Inn. Applicants can only apply toone Inn for awards per year.The closingdates for applications for such awardsare the same for all Inns. Any candidatewho receives an Inner Temple awardmust become a member of the Innbefore the disbursement of funds.

Applications for all awards (other thandisability grants) should be made onlinevia the Inn’s website. The onlineapplication form incorporates a financialstatement and is accompanied bystandard reference forms. A separateform is available from the Scholarships &Students Manager for use when applyingsolely for a disability grant.

General Criteria The Inner Temple welcomes

applicants from all backgrounds for itsawards. The Inn has a long-standingcommitment to equality of opportunityand diversity, reflected in the InnerTemple's Equality & Diversity Policy.

The Inner Temple awards its funds onthe basis of merit: that is, on the basis ofthe Scholarship Committee's assessmenton the evidence before it of theapplicant’s potential to succeed at the Barof England and Wales.

The amounts of our two seniorCPE/GDL scholarships and our sevensenior BPTC scholarships are fixed.However, in determining the amounts tobe awarded for all our other CPE/GDL andBPTC Major Scholarships and Exhibitions,the Committee will also take financial needinto account, based on the resourcesavailable to the successful candidate. Forthis reason if we do not receive fullfinancial details from the applicant and, ifappropriate, their parents, we will beforced to assume that the candidate hassufficient funding in place. Resources andneed may also be taken into account inmaking all of the Inn’s other awards.

Details of the criteria that the Inn usesfor assessing merit, resources and needmay be found on the Inn’s website. Thecriteria used for assessing merit are thesame for all of the Inns.

BPTC Scholarships and ExhibitionsMost of the Inner Temple’s Scholarships

and Exhibitions are intended to supportstudents during their BPTC year.

For the BPTC year, one Peter TaylorScholarship of £22,000, one StephenChapman Scholarship of £21,000 and fivePrincess Royal Scholarships of £20,000each are available. Up to a further£1,085,500 will also be awarded in MajorScholarships and Exhibitions, the amountsof which will be decided taking intoaccount the successful applicant’s financialneed. The Inn may also supplement theseawards with a range of smaller awards.

Application Procedure Candidates must apply online, using the

form on the website. Applications must bereceived by the first Friday in November inthe year before the start of the relevantBPTC course. For 2014-15 BPTC entry, theclosing date is 1st November 2013. • We recommend that all applicants

complete the financial statement. Whileit is not compulsory, if it is notcompleted, any award received (otherthan the named awards mentionedabove) would be made at the minimumlevel.

• Three references are required: twoacademic and one personal. Pleasenote that members of your family cannotprovide references.

• We intend to offer interviews to all

eligible candidates who apply for aBPTC award. Interviews for the 2014BPTC awards (2014-15 entry) will beheld on the 15th and 22nd March 2014.As part of your interview, you will beasked questions about a recentunreported decision, a copy of whichwill be given to you to study for the 30minutes prior to the start of yourinterview.

• You will be asked to declare whetheryou have received any help (paid orunpaid) or have used any material thatyou have copied from elsewhere whenfilling in your application form orpreparing for your interview.

CPE/GDL Scholarships andExhibitions

Students can apply for Scholarships andExhibitions for their law conversioncourse. Applicants who intend toundertake the two-year postgraduate LLBcourse are also eligible but successfulapplicants will only be funded for oneyear of the course.

For the CPE/GDL year, one PrincessRoyal Scholarship of £10,000 and onePrincess Royal Scholarship of £7,500 areavailable. Up to a further £183,000 willalso be awarded in Major Scholarshipsand Exhibitions, the amounts of which willbe decided taking into account thesuccessful applicant’s financial need.

Application Procedure Candidates must apply online, using

the form on the website. Applicationsmust be received by the first Friday inMay. For 2014-15 CPE/GDL entry, theclosing date is 2nd May 2014.

• We recommend that all applicantscomplete the financial statement. Whileit is not compulsory, if it is notcompleted, any award received (otherthan the Princess Royal Scholarships)will be made at the minimum level.

• Three references are required: twoacademic and one personal.

• We intend to interview every eligibleapplicant. Interviews will be held in theInn in June, likely on a Friday eveningand a Saturday.

• You will be asked to declare whetheryou have received any help (paid orunpaid) or have used any material that

SCHOLARSHIPS, EXHIBITIONSAND OTHER AWARDSF

22 | CAREERS GUIDE

you have copied from elsewhere whenfilling in your application form orpreparing for your interview.

Guaranteed Funding SchemeStudents who receive a CPE/GDL

award from the Inn, and successfullycomplete the course, automaticallyreceive an award of the same amount fortheir BPTC year (having obtained aplace on the course) on application butwithout further interview. CPE/GDLaward holders therefore have thecertainty that a minimum level of fundswill be available to them from the Innthroughout their period of study for theBar.

Holders of CPE/GDL awards are,however, welcome to apply for a higheraward for their BPTC year. They will notjeopardise their right to the guaranteedamount by doing so.

Similarly, since more funds areavailable for awards for the BPTC year,unsuccessful applicants for CPE/GDLawards are welcome to apply thefollowing year for a BPTC award. Manysuch applications have been successfulin past years.

Permission will not usually be given todefer the taking up of a CPE/GDL award.

Benefactors, Scholarships & Prizesfor Pupillage

There are a small number ofBenefactors' Scholarships available forthose with a minimally funded

pupllage. Please see the Inner Templewebsite for further details.

Internships and Sir JosephPriestley Scholarships

With the help of a generous grantfrom a trust set up in memory of SirJoseph Priestley, the Inn makes a smallnumber of awards each year for thepurpose of enabling students andnewly qualified barristers to pursueprojects that will widen theirexperience of the world outside theBar, thereby enhancing the skills theycan bring to their practice. Please seethe Inner Temple website for furtherdetails.

Disability Grants Up to £10,000 is available annually to

assist students or pupils of the Inn whoare affected by serious disability, whodemonstrate financial need and whocan show a reasonable prospect ofbeing Called to the Bar. Grants areawarded at the discretion of theScholarships Committee, withapplicants being interviewed at amutually convenient time. Anapplication form is available from theScholarships & Students Manager.

In addition to this sum, up to £5,000 isavailable annually to be distributed byway of supplement among successfulapplicants for Major Scholarships orExhibitions who are affected by seriousdisability and demonstrate financial

need. Applicants wishing to beconsidered for such assistance muststate the nature of their case in theappropriate section of the financialstatement incorporated in the generalscholarships application form.

Further Information For further details on all our awardsand important guidance on making an application, please go to theScholarships section of our website.

If you have any queries, pleasecontact the Scholarships & StudentsManager.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

“I feel privileged to have beenawarded the Stephen ChapmanAward. I would emphasise thatthe Inn's scholarshipprogramme is an effective andvital way to increase access tothe Bar for students from under-represented backgrounds, suchas myself. It offers reassurancethat one does indeed make thegrade and I can attest that it is afinancial lifeline for individualswhose parents cannot fundtheir legal studies.”

Elizabeth Gallagher, Stephen Chapman Scholar

Her Honour Judge Deborah Taylor with Peter Taylor Scholar Ajay Ratanand Major Scholar Daniel Milner at Scholars Reception

CAREERS GUIDE | 23

AWARD CPE YEAR BPTC YEAR PUPILLAGE YEAR VALUE

Peter Taylor Scholarship 1 at £22,000 £22,000

Stephen Chapman Scholarship 1 at £21,000 £21,000

Princess Royal Scholarships 1 at £10,0001 at £7,500

5 at £20,000 £117,500

Major Scholarshipsand Exhibitions

£183,000 £1,085,500(includingguaranteedfunding)

£1,268,500

Sir Joseph Priestley Scholarship Up to £10,000 £10,000

Internships Fees available for livingexpenses

£24,250

Duke of Edinburgh EntranceScholarships

50 at £175 to cover admission and Call fees

£8,750

Benefactors' ScholarshipsAnd Prizes

Various sums £13,000

Disability Grants £10,000 available generally; £5,000 by way ofsupplement to a scholarship or exhibition

£ 15,000

Total £1,500,000

INNER TEMPLESCHOLARSHIPS,EXHIBITIONS, OTHER AWARDS ANDPRIZES FOR 2014 ENTRY

BPTC Scholarship Statistics 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Scholarship Applicants 205 299 371 365 376 359

Interviewed (applicants minus withdrawals) 193 276 317 321 342 340

Total Awards 98 107 119 101 102 97

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

24 | CAREERS GUIDE

INNER TEMPLESCHOLARSHIPS:TIMETABLE 2014-15

LAST YEAR OF UNIVERSITY (WITH A NON-LAW DEGREE)

First Friday in May CPE Awards deadline. Online application goes live in March.

June Interviews and results

If successful, must apply to join Inner Temple before receiving funds

LAST YEAR OF UNIVERSITY (WITH A LAW DEGREE) OR CPE YEAR

First Friday in November BPTC Awards deadline (you are automatically considered for Duke of Edinburgh Awards &Benefactors’ Awards as part of this application). Online application goes live in September.

March Interviews and results

31 May Must apply to join Inner Temple before commencing the BPTC and before receiving funds

BEFORE PUPILLAGE & INTERNSHIP AWARDS

31 May Pupillage, Internship and Sir Joseph Priestley Awards deadline

AT ANY TIME

No closing date Disability Grants

"I really cannot stress enough to prospective candidates how much they should take the chance and apply for ascholarship. Don't be scared to show who you really are, just be yourself and don't hide anything away - be thatillnesses, learning difficulties or coming from a less affluent background. These people are here to listen to what youhave to say, and help you to achieve the career you want. All they want to see is how you have demonstrated yourdedication to a career at the Bar. If it is what you really want, then you have nothing to lose!"Lydia Carroll, BPTC Exhibition Award Winner

CAREERS GUIDE | 25

he Inner Temple puts great importance on theeducational aspect of Qualifying Sessions sothat students will be able to develop their skills

and abilities. In order to be Called to the Bar, you must complete

12 Qualifying Sessions. These sessions are designedto complement your BPTC studies and allow you tomeet and speak with practising members of the Bar.They include residential advocacy courses, lectures,presentational skills workshops, playing witness or

counsel in mock trials as well as collegiate diningnights.

In addition to providing Qualifying Sessions, the InnerTemple also offers BPTC students the opportunity toparticipate in mentoring, marshalling, police liaison and mock interview schemes. You may also practiseyour debating, mooting and acting skillsin various Inn student societies. And after all that, you can let your hair down at one of the many socialevents organised by the Inn’s Students’ Association.

INNER TEMPLE AND THE BPTCT

EVENT WHAT WHEN

Introductory Evening (Free for Out of London)1 Qualifying Session

A compulsory Introductory Evening held at thestart of each academic year, one for studentsstudying the BPTC in London and one for studentsstudying outside London.

End of September /Beginning of October

BPTC Advocacy Days (Free)2 Qualifying Sessions

Held in the first term of each year. End of September /Beginning of November

Presentational Skills Course(Free for Out of London)2 Qualifying Sessions

The Inn hosts a presentational skills course eachyear covering topics such as voice projection andposture.

October

Residential Weekend3 Qualifying Sessions

The Inn holds three educational weekends eachyear, two at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor GreatPark and one at Highgate House in Northampton.

Early December, February and March

Education Days1 Qualifying Session

The Inn hosts two Education Days a year. February and March

Playing a witness or counsel on an AdvocacyTraining Course (Free)Up to 2 Qualifying Sessions

Acting as a witness and / or counsel in advocacyteacher training courses or pupil mock trials.

Varied

Local Qualifying Session for BPTC Studentsat Providers outside of LondonUp to 3 Qualifying Sessions

Students at BPTC providers outside London aregiven the opportunity to organise their ownQualifying Sessions.

Varied

Lecture Nights1 Qualifying Session each

The Inn holds several Lecture Nights in Hall eachyear.

Check Term Dining

Dinner at BPTC Provider1 Qualifying Session

Every BPTC provider outside of London organisesone dinner with an introductory lecture.

Varied

Dining Night – Ordinary, Mixed, Mentors’,Call Night, Private Guest, Grand DayDinner1 Qualifying Session each

Dining at the Inn with short talks on a legal topic atthe beginning of dinner.

Throughout the year.Check Term Dining

Term Sunday Lunch1 Qualifying Session each

Please note that Sunday Lunch Out of Term is alsoopen to students but is not a Qualifying Session

Check Term Dining

INNER TEMPLE QUALIFYING SESSIONS

THE INN AND YOUR BPTC

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMEFOR STUDENT MEMBERS

he Education and Training Department’s annualprogramme of events is specifically designed toenable student members to develop their legal

knowledge, advocacy skills and presentational skills as wellas to offer students opportunities to meet practisingbarristers and judges.

BPTC Advocacy DayThis is one of the first Qualifying Sessions of the academicyear and gives the Inn’s new student members theopportunity to practise their advocacy skills in a supportive

and informal environment before beginning the Bar course.The event is taught by the Inn’s advocacy trainers as well asnew practitioners who have recently completed the Inn’sadvocacy training courses.

Presentational Skills Courses Taught by professionally trained actors and vocal coaches,these two Qualifying Sessions give students theopportunity to develop skills such as voice projection,posture and awareness of space.

As befits a December weekend inWindsor, our advocacy weekendcombined serious learning with a fairdose of Christmas cheer. From anopening lecture to panels of speakers,students had the chance to hear froma series of distinguished speakers -senior judges, Chief Constables,professors and MPs as well as QCs -on what information the state admits tocollecting about us, what they do withit, why they think they need it andwhether or not they should be allowedto collect any more. One lecture inparticular, on how SIM cards can beused to track our movements, made uscheck that our mobile phones really

were switched off! We then followed our morning oflistening to expert speakers with someafternoon advocacy of our own,making submissions and examiningwitnesses in a case about phonehacking, designed especially for theoccasion. Working in small groups, withexperienced practitioners and judges,we learnt how to devise effective casetheories in the rather complex field ofcommunications interception offencesbefore laying them out simply for thecourt and examining the defendantseffectively. With many of us only twomonths into our Bar courses, thesesessions were an invaluable

opportunity to develop our embryonicadvocacy skills with the help ofbarristers who are in court every day.Outside the classroom, the excellentmeals provided by CumberlandLodge and the evening entertainmentprovided by us all (at Richard SalterQC's gentle but insistent urging)allowed students to mix in a relaxedand festive atmosphere with moresenior members of the Inn. Those of usattending chapel on Sunday morningwere even able to meet the Queen!Leaving on Sunday afternoon,exhausted but satisfied, many of uswished our entire Bar course could belike this.

26 | CAREERS GUIDE

RESIDENTIAL WEEKEND BY ROSS BEATON, BPTC STUDENT 2012-13CUMBERLAND LODGE RESIDENTIAL, DECEMBER 2012BIG BROTHER: WHAT THE STATES KNOWS ABOUT ME AND SHOULD I CARE?

T

Cumberland Lodge

CAREERS GUIDE | 27

THE INN AND YOUR BPTC

Student Residential Conferences The Inn hosts three residential conferences a year, two at

Cumberland Lodge in Great Winsor Park and one at HighgateHouse in Northampton. These weekends form a major elementof the Inn's educational programmes for BPTC students andeach provides three Qualifying Sessions. The weekends givestudents the opportunity to hear from high profile experts invarious legal fields and to practise their advocacy skills.

This year's conferences examined three topics at the forefrontof current affairs; state surveillance, jury trials and stalking lawreform.

Education DaysThese two Qualifying Sessions are tailored especially for

students studying at providers outside of London. The dates areagreed in advance with the other Inns and the BPTC providersso that students can travel to London together. This past year, asignificant number of students attended sessions on ethics,pupillage applications, pitfalls of the early years of practice andobserved a mock trial on clinical negligence.

Lecture NightsThe Inn contributes to cutting-edge legal debates through its

Lecture Nights. The 2013 Lecture Night programme included:• Justice Dyson Heydon AC: Are Bill of Rights Really

Necessary in the Common Law World?

• Louise Christian: Should the Decisions of the ForeignSecretary be Justiciable?

• Edward Fitzgerald QC: Extradtition, Deportation andHuman Rights.

• Judge Paul Mahoney: The Relationship between theStrasboug Court and the National Courts.

• The Rt Hon Lord Reed: The Common Law and the EuropeanCourt of Human Rights.

Playing a Witness and Counsel Students are recruited to play witness and counsel on the Inn’sAdvocacy Teacher Training courses for members wishing tobecome advocacy trainers. This provides an opportunity forstudents to practise their advocacy skills in an informal andsupportive setting.

Local Qualifying Sessions Students at providers outside of London are able to organise up to three Qualifying Sessions at their provider. These shouldbe either a talk on a legal topic followed by a dinner, a debateor a moot, or advocacy training. Each session must be approvedin advance by the Education and Training Department and beattended by at least two senior members of the Inn. Topics ofteninclude Pupillage and the Early Days of Tenancy, FamilyAdvocacy and Criminal Evidence Sentencing or AdvocacyWorkshops.

"Highgate House was a fantastic opportunity to meet some of the best advocates in the UK speakingabout and demonstrating an issue at the heart of what they do: 'Trial by Jury.' It combined the rightbalance of insight into the mind of a trial advocate, opportunities to show your advocacy prowessand, most importantly, lots of fun! Overall, it was a great weekend with an enviable amount of food,interesting topics of debate and good company. "

QUALIFYING SESSIONS

Marcus Coates-Walker, BPTC student 2012-13

His Honour Judge Goss QC speaks to students Residential weekend

28 | CAREERS GUIDE

THE INN AND YOUR BPTC

SCHEMES FOR BPTC STUDENTSThe following schemes are open to all BPTC students and are designed to help themto enhance their experience and learning as student members.

Mentoring SchemeThis is a scheme that pairs BPTCstudents with experienced practisingbarristers who can give advice andimpartial assistance.

"My mentor was very good at makingsure I 'bulked-up' my CV. I am really gladto have come across a barrister who isthis conscientious and I was really luckythat he was my mentor."

Police Liaison SchemeThis scheme gives BPTC students theopportunity to experience the day-to-day running of a police station and/oraccompany officers on patrol.Participating police stations arepredominantly in London but we arehoping to expand the scheme to otherareas of the country.

"The average individual may notconsider the complex, time-consumingand sometimes frustrating work thatthe police have to go through in everyindividual case. People see the end

product of individuals being chargedbut often do not appreciate the hugeamount of groundwork that goes intobringing a charge. I personally thinkthat this scheme could benefit anyoneby opening their eyes to police work.For those who want to ultimately workin criminal law, it is an invaluableexperience."

Marshalling SchemeThis scheme gives BPTC studentsthe opportunity to spend up to aweek with a High Court or CircuitJudge either in London or on Circuit.The judge shows students the casepapers and discusses theproceedings. The experienceprovides a valuable opportunity toobserve the workings of the courtfrom an entirely different perspective.This scheme is open to students inthe second half of their BPTC.

“The Inner Temple MarshallingScheme is an excellent opportunity tolearn more about the practical day-to-

day realities of the bench. Throughthe Scheme, I was able to witness andengage with courtroom work in adeep and dynamic way, which wassignificantly different from work seenduring my mini-pupillages. I had thechance to speak with the judge aboutthe cases after they were finished andgained a number of interestinginsights into life in the judiciary that Isimply wouldn't have receivedthrough other means. "

Mock Interview SchemeThis scheme aims to help BPTCstudents develop their interview skills inpreparation for imminent pupillageinterviews. Students are given theopportunity to practise their interviewtechnique and to build up confidence infront of barristers.

"The Mock Interview Scheme gave me a huge level of insight into what chambers will be looking for, theirconcerns and expectations as well as my own strengths and weaknesses."

The Hon Mr Justice Dingemans withstudent member Andrew O'Kola

THE INN AND YOUR BPTC

CAREERS GUIDE | 29

STUDENT SOCIETIESAT THE INNER TEMPLEThe Inner Temple has four active student societies. They each organise a number ofevents throughout the year, as described below.

INNER TEMPLE STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (ITSA)

ITSA is one of four Inner Temple student societies. Allstudents are automatically members of ITSA and areinvited to all events. The Association promotes collegialitybetween students and provides a welcome break fromBPTC work and the hunt for pupillage.

This year has seen a number of events including socialnights, a Burns Night Supper and monthly activitiesbetween students and the practising Bar. All new studentsare invited to kick off their year on the BPTC with ITSAwelcome drinks immediately following the IntroductoryEvening.

INNER TEMPLE DRAMA SOCIETY

The Drama Society is the youngest of the societies. In the last few years, it has expanded very quickly and iscurrently the only society with two designated Masters ofthe Bench. The society is beneficial to students in manyways: confidence, clarity and projection being just threeskills that can be transferred to your advocacy.

Past performances have starred actors and actresses from all walks of legal life. With readings from Benchers toleading roles being performed by practising barristers andGDL students, this society really is open to all and is a greatway to meet other members of the Inn.

“The year began with an all singing, all dancing ChristmasPantomime of `Cinderella', complete with a live InnerTemple band. Both nights were a sell-out success and theraucous peals of laughter that emanated from the ParliamentChamber was testament to the appeal of the show to allmembers of the audience. In the spring, the Drama Societycollaborated with Shakespeare's Globe Theatre to perform`Gorboduc' - a 16th century play written by two InnerTemplars - Norton and Sackville. This was the first playwritten in Blank verse and the first English Tragedy. It was awonderful opportunity to work with such a renowned theatrecompany and we hope that this budding relationship withthe Globe will continue for years to come. Our final show forthe year was a performance of 'Pygmalion'. We are proud ofthe strong acting talent that came to the fore in this witty play,where brazen cockney English met with cut-glass RP to thedelight of our audience members.”

30 | CAREERS GUIDE

THE INN AND YOUR BPTC

INNER TEMPLE DEBATING SOCIETY

What is debating?Debating is the process of critically analysing and evaluatingarguments in a structured way. While debating is about speakingpersuasively, it is more importantly about thinking logically. Atthe Inner Temple, we are fortunate to be part of a global BritishParliamentary debating circuit. In this format, each debate isstylised as a hypothetical House of Commons debate, bothprocedurally and linguistically. A debate consists of four teams:two teams in proposition (the Government bench), and twoteams in opposition to the motion (the Opposition bench). Thereare two speakers in each team. The object of the debate is touse your skills of advocacy, wit and strategy to convince thejudges of your case. Do so and you win. Teams are given fifteenminutes to prepare their cases once the motion is announced.Because motions can be on any topic of any significance – fromwar with Iran to public funding for the arts, and from theabolition of wigs and gowns to the restoration of debtors prisons– we aim only to provide you with the underlying skills todeconstruct an issue, apply your knowledge effectively andconstruct a water-tight case.

Why debate?Playing an active part in the Inner Temple Debating Societyholds numerous benefits. Teams compete regularly in many ofthe world’s most prestigious tournaments, including the Worldand European Championships (held over the Christmas andsummer holidays respectively). If selected, the team is fortunateto have travel and registration expenses met by the Inn. Inrecent years we have sent members to World Championships inIreland, Turkey, Botswana and the Philippines. Debatingprovides a fantastic opportunity to see places and meet peoplefrom all over the world. Moreover, pupillage providers generallyregard having represented your Inn at a national orinternational debating competition as among the best CVexperience. It demonstrates a commitment to, and proficiencyin, advocacy beyond the BPTC. Not only is the experienceuseful for your CV, it is inherently worthwhile for the skills youwill develop: to think quickly and analytically, to speak withconfidence, and to apply your knowledge of the world to arange of issues.

“Inner Temple was victorious in this year's London IV. InnerTemple competed in the World University DebatingChampionships held in Berlin and placed among the topteams. The Debating Society also represented Inner Temple atthe major debating tournaments in the university calendarincluding the Oxford IV, Cambridge IV, John Smith MemorialMace, LSE IV, UCL IV and King's College London IV. Our ownInner Temple IV, generously sponsored by BlackstoneChambers, was again well attended by the best teams in thecountry. Inner Temple debating continued its commitment toeducation by participating in the Inner Temple School'sProject, an outreach programme that helps to teach schoolchildren from a variety of backgrounds about the law,advocacy and a career at the Bar. The Society also held weeklymeetings each Wednesday at the Inn. These training sessionsfocussed upon a different area of advocacy each week,followed by a chance for students to debate with judging andfeedback provided.”

INNER TEMPLE MOOTING SOCIETY

What is mooting?Moots are legal problems in the form of fictitious cases.Appearing before the Bench are two teams of two counsel – asenior and junior counsel on each. Counsel will routinely beasked a number of questions by the judge(s) relating to theirsubmissions. Judges for the Inner Temple’s MootingCompetitions are always barristers and, on occasion in the finalrounds, a High Court or Appellate Court judge. Areas of lawgoverning the moot problems will vary with each competition.The internal competitions are usually based on the core legalareas (e.g. crime, contract, property etc). Of course, winning the moot is not the same as winning theargument. It really is a case of how you play the game rather than whether you win or lose. Clarity of argument andexpression, imaginative construction of flawless legal argumentand effective presentation are key to winning a moot.

Why moot?Inner Temple mooters compete in some of the world’s mostprestigious mooting competitions; for instance, last year the Innmet the travel and registration expenses for its teams at theJessup International Law Moot Court Competition, the WillemC Vis International Commercial Arbitration Law Moot, ThomasA Finlay Moot Court, Intervarsity and the Manfred LachsInternational Space Law Moot among others. In recent years,the Inner Temple has sent its mooters to Vienna, Hungary,Dublin and Washington DC. Mooting therefore provides afantastic opportunity to see places and meet people from allover the world.

“The Intervarsity Moot was held in February, kindly sponsoredby Tanfield Chambers. Over 30 teams competed from acrossEngland and Ireland. The Annual Lawson Mooting Competitionalso took place over the course of this academic year for ourcurrent students. Having won the Inter-Inn moot last year, weare currently in the process of finalising arrangements as thehosts of this year's competition. We have run a series ofmooting workshops for our current students throughout thisacademic year, which were well-attended and received verypositive feedback.”

Alastair Hodge, Barrister at5 Essex Court, with Inner

Temple Mooters

CAREERS GUIDE | 31

all to the Bar is not only your‘graduation’ upon completionof the BPTC, it is also animportant stepping stone to

your career. It is the occasion on which youare officially welcomed to the professionand when you have the opportunity to thankthose close to you for their support in yourjourney to the Bar.

The ceremony itself is normally held inthe historic setting of the Temple Church,built in the 12th Century by the KnightsTemplar. While the organ plays, studentsprocess down the aisle shortly followed bythe Masters of the Bench. During theceremony, students are Called to the Bar byone of the Masters of the Bench with theTreasurer awarding students theircertificates in front of guests. Afterwards,there is a champagne reception with a liveband and a chance for students and theirguests to celebrate.

We always aim for Call to the Bar to be ajoyous occasion for students, and theirfamilies and friends, to set them off properlyon their journey to becoming a barrister.

“On the BPTC, everything seems to be in twelves: twelve months, twelveQualifying Sessions, twelve assessments,twelve pupillage applications and, forme, twelve nervous breakdowns(although some may say that it really isjust one sustained breakdown over along period).

Perhaps it is clear that I did not enjoysome of my BPTC year – it’s far toofrantic for that – but I did appreciate it. I learned an enormous amount, no littlethanks to the many barristers and judgesI met through my Inn, all of whom weregenerous with their advice andencouragement.

The culmination of any BPTC year is CallNight. Back in February, applying for theJuly Trinity Call seemed a good idea.Alas, July 2013 was baking hot, and I wasnot looking forward to wearing acollarette, robe and tights in a packedchurch. I need not have worried. Theevent was so overwhelming that I soonforgot any discomfort. When weprocessed in, even the most nonchalant

of us struggled not to grin proudly. Thencame the glorious music of the newly-restored organ, and the procession of theBenchers. It was a particular honour forme to be called by Sir David Keene,whom I had met at the Inn and who hasbecome a friend.

The highlight was not, as some mayimagine, the post-event champagnereception but the tremendous speech bythe Treasurer, Simon Thorley QC. Withhis characteristic charisma, brevity andaplomb, he acknowledged the peoplethat we newly-admitted barristersinevitably had forgotten to thank: ourfamilies and friends.

The Treasurer said we would rememberthis moment for the rest of our lives.

Even on ordinarymatters, I wouldhesitate to disagreewith the luminariesof my Inn. On thispoint, I genuinelybelieve he is right.”Emma Hynes

CALL TO THE BAR C

THE INN AND YOUR BPTC

32 | CAREERS GUIDE

nce a pupil has begun the ‘first six’ months ofpupillage, he or she must successfully completethe following compulsory training in order to

obtain a practising certificate:• Assessed Pupils’ Advocacy Course provided by the Inns

and Circuits• Practice Management Course provided by the Inns and

Circuits• Pupils must also complete a minimum of 20 hours

training in forensic accounts by the end of their firstthree years in practice (organised by the Bar Standards Board)

The Inner Temple advocacy course is made up of thefollowing elements:• Three evenings at the Inn on trial preparation and

case analysis• One Saturday at the Inn on Civil Interlocutory

Applications• One evening at a London Crown Court conducting

a mock trial

• A three-day residential weekend. This is the coreelement of the advocacy course during which pupilsparticipate in a LAMDA workshop and sessions onwitness handling, speeches and pleas in mitigation.Pupils are video-reviewed throughout the weekend togive them the opportunity to identify and correct anybad habits which may be affecting their overalladvocacy performance.

All the above sessions are taught by judges, Masters of theBench and barristers of all levels, all of whom are accreditedadvocacy trainers.

The Practice Management Course assists pupils on how to runtheir practice. The course involves sessions in financialmanagement, ethics and marketing and also includes asession from judges and new practitioners advising on apupil's first day in court, as well as a session with clerks andsolicitors on managing a practice.

COMPULSORY ADVOCACY TRAINING FOR PUPILS

BEYOND THE BPTC:FURTHER EDUCATION

he Inner Temple runs anextensive programme ofadvocacy training for pupils,

new practitioners and establishedpractitioners alike. Anyone joining theInner Temple can look forward tooutstanding training from committedtrainers. The Inn is fortunate to have ahugely dedicated membership, bothbarristers and judges, who are willing to give up countless hours in the

evening and over weekends to assistwith the training.

An independent report by theAdvocacy Training Council, whichmonitors advocacy training in Englandand Wales, stated that “…those in chargeof advocacy training at Inner Temple areamong the most experienced advocacytrainers at the Bar. The use of theHandbooks for Pupils/New Practitionersand Trainers is eloquent testimony to the

enormous amount of time, thought andcare which goes into the preparation ofadvocacy training at Inner Temple…”The Inner Temple Handbook mentionedin the report has become the foundationfor a handbook now approved for usehere and abroad by the AdvocacyTraining Council.

For further information on the Inn’scourses, please contact the ProfessionalTraining Manager.

T

O

his event, aimed at members who have completedthe BPTC but have yet to secure pupillage, offersthose attending the opportunity to practise

advocacy skills, take part in a mock interview and havepupillage applications and legal CVs reviewed. The trainersrunning the session are from the junior Bar and, as such,have had relatively recent experience of pupillage. Takingplace in February, the event, in conjunction with thePupillage Advice Evening, aims to assist member inpreparation for the next round of pupillage applications.

“I must say that I found the day incredibly useful. In particular,I feel that the mock interview feedback I received wasinstrumental in my obtaining pupillage. I cannot stressenough what a brilliant and useful event this was. I hope thatthe Inn continues to run it for a very long time.” - Participant, 2013

ADVOCACY & PUPILLAGE APPLICATIONS DAY

T

BEYOND THE BPTC

CAREERS GUIDE | 33

NEW PRACTITIONERS’ADVOCACY & ETHICSWEEKEND

esidential weekends are held twice a year and each is accredited for 17CPD hours including nine hours of advocacy training, three hours of ethics

training and five general hours. The weekends provide an opportunity for civil,criminal and family barristers to cross examine an expert witness and foremployed barristers to complete training in skills relevant to their areas ofpractice. The programme also includes a discussion of ethical problems with realsolicitors.

CONTINUINGPROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENT

n completion of the NewPractitioners’ Programme, all

practising barristers whether at theself-employed or Employed Bar arerequired to complete 12 hours ofcontinuing professional development(CPD) each year. The Inner Templeprovides several CPD courses and isincreasing its provision in this areaevery year.

his series comprises bothcriminal and civil eveningsessions, each of which is

accredited for three CPD hours.Participants will already have gained afair amount of advocacy experience sothe course has been designed tostimulate ideas to help participants build

on their previous experience. Recentcourse topics have included:• Cross Examination and Speeches• Civil Advocacy - the Modern Approach• Ethics for the Civil Bar• Examination of Expert Witnesses

NEW PRACTITIONERPROGRAMME

fter a barrister has completedpupillage and gained tenancy,

either in self-employed practice orat the Employed Bar, he or she willbecome a ‘new practitioner’. In thefirst three years of practice, newlyqualified practitioners are requiredto complete 45 hours of ContinuingProfessional Development (CPD)including at least nine hours ofadvocacy training and three hours of ethics training.

CPD WEEKENDSach year, the Inner Temple holds a CPD Weekend for practitioners beyondthe new practitioner stage. The weekend is often organised in conjunction

with a Specialist Bar Association.The weekend is typically split into a series of lectures by high profile speakers

on the Saturday and optional practical advocacy exercises conducted by the Inn'sadvocacy trainers on the Sunday morning. The weekend is usually accredited forsix CPD hours on the Saturday and three CPD hours on the Sunday morning.

Past weekends have covered topics such as Serious Sexual Offences, PracticalGuidance for Appellate Advocacy, Employment Law and Handling of VulnerableWitnesses.

ADVOCACY MASTER CLASSSERIEST

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"I was a little daunted about undertaking the Pupils' Advocacy Course as I had heardthat there was a lot of work involved but I was advised that you get out of it what youput into it. I completed all the preparation work required before each stage of thecourse and I am very glad I did. It meant that the feedback I received was relevantand useful. All of the trainers were really helpful and the feedback was alwayspositive and encouraging rather than negative. The residential weekend wasfantastic. It was organised with military precision and the setting of Wotton Housewas wonderful. The whole course gave me a huge confidence boost and I reallyenjoyed meeting other pupils and swapping stories and tips. I would actually like todo it all over again!"

Heather Jackson, Inner Temple Pupil

34 | CAREERS GUIDE

Fiona FultonHead of Education and Training Tel: 020 7797 8207ffulton@innertemple.org.uk

Francesca EllisEducation Co-ordinator and Assistant to the Head of Education and Training Tel: 020 7797 8207fellis@innertemple.org.uk

Outreach

Anthony DursiOutreach and External Relations ManagerTel: 020 7797 8214adursi@innertemple.org.uk

Carys NelkonOutreach Co-ordinatorTel: 020 7797 8262 cnelkon@innertemple.org.uk

Tourstours@innertemple.org.uk

Scholarships and Students

Eamonn O’ReillyScholarships and Students ManagerTel: 020 7797 8210eoreilly@innertemple.org.uk

Paul ClarkScholarships and Students Co-ordinatorTel: 020 7797 8211pclark@innertemple.org.uk

Further Education

David MillerProfessional Training ManagerTel: 020 7797 8209dmiller@innertemple.org.uk

Kerry UphamEducation Co-ordinatorTel: 020 7797 8213kupham@innertemple.org.uk

USEFUL CONTACTS: EDUCATION & TRAINING

WHO’S WHO IN EDUCATION & TRAINING? Education and Training Department, Treasury Building, Inner Temple, London EC4Y 7HLTel: 020 7797 8208 • Fax: 020 7797 8212 • Email: education@innertemple.org.uk

USEFUL CONTACTS: FURTHER INFORMATION

35 | CAREERS GUIDE

Follow the Inner Temple on:

• Websitewww.innertemple.org.uk

• Twitterwww.twitter.com/TheInnerTemple

• Facebook:www.facebook.com/TheInnerTemple

• LinkedIn:Group: ‘The Inner Temple’

• YouTube:www.youtube.com/innertemplevideos

Approved Bar ProfessionalTraining Course Providers

• BPP Law School – London*, Leeds*and Manchesterwww.bpp.com/law

• Cardiff Law Schoolwww.law.cf.ac.uk

• The University of Law – London * andBirminghamwww.college-of-law.co.uk

• City Law School*www.city.ac.uk/law

• Kaplan Law School – London†www.kaplan-law-school.kaplan.co.uk/

• Manchester Metropolitan University*www.law.mmu.ac.uk

• Northumbria Law School*†www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/academic/law/

• Nottingham Law Schoolwww.ntu.ac.uk/nls

• University of the West of EnglandBristol*law.uwe.ac.uk/

* Also offers the BPTC part-time† Also offers the BPTC as part of the LLB Exempting Degree

Approved Law ConversionCourse Providers

Please see the full listing on the SolicitorsRegulation Authority website at:www.sra.org.uk/students/courses/CPE-GDL-course-providers.page

Other Useful Websites

• Bar Standards Board (For informationon qualifying as a barrister)www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

• Bar Council (For information on theprofession including Specialist BarAssociations and the Circuits)www.barcouncil.org.uk

• Become a Barrister (for moreinformation on training and life at theBar): www.become-a-barrister.com/

• BPTC Online (To apply for the BPTC)www.barprofessionaltraining.org.uk/

• Law Courses Central ApplicationsBoard (To apply for the CPE / GDL)www.lawcabs.ac.uk

• Pupillage Gateway (Online PupillageApplication System)www.pupillagegateway.com

Further Sources of Information

• Your Career as a Barrister(available from the Bar Council)For information on becoming a barrister,life at the Bar and the Inns of Court

• Pupillages Handbook (available fromthe Inn or most career services)For information on becoming abarrister, applying for mini pupillage,pupillage and finance

• Pupillage Pagesthepupillagepages.com/

• Pupillage Blog:www.pupillageblog.com/

USEFUL CONTACTS

KNOW WHAT MAKES A GOOD LAWYER?BEING TAUGHT BY ONE.

There’s no substitute for experience – and there’s none better than BPP’s. For a start, we make sure you get plenty of practical experience. But just as importantly, all our tutors are qualified solicitors with extensive real world experience, adding real relevance to your studies. Indeed, our Bar Professional Training Course is taught to exceptional standards by leading barristers, with 30% more advocacy than the BSB requires.

THINK HAVING THE KNOWLEDGE YOU NEED TO IMPRESS LAW FIRMS WOULD HELP YOUR CAREER? THE NEXT STEP IS EASY – JUST CHOOSE BPP.

Talk to us about why BPP should be your first choice.Call 020 3131 2939

Or visit us at www.bpp.com/bptc

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