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https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/call-for-inns-to-act-as-pupillage-shortage-worsens This is incredibly difficult : pupils need to be able to learn and then earn. But for half of the Bar, neither barristers nor chambers are earning enough to support them, their families or staff. Nor is there work. Radical temporary ideas are needed.
In some sets, junior barristers whose income has evaporated are required to borrow money to pay the wages of pupils who they are training to compete with them - for the little work that has survived COVID. It is not surprising that the appetite to offer new pupillages has gone.
Those chambers we talk to would like to be able to offer unfunded pupillages in greater numbers for the next 2 years.
Perhaps allow this in chambers whose gross income is under £500,000?
Perhaps the BPTC courses could offer rebates to help those not getting funded pupillages?
Perhaps allow this in chambers whose gross income is under £500,000?
Perhaps the BPTC courses could offer rebates to help those not getting funded pupillages?
There are wide diversities across the Bar and a need to remove the roadblock. Getting the junior bar and pupillages moving again in the light of COVID needs to look at the realities for all - essentially it is about cash flow. Unpaid juniors are not going to borrow to pay pupils.
So let’s widen the thinking, really quickly, and get equality of opportunity for all - whatever their background or Uni: to get them started by allowing chambers to give chances by sharing the gain.
If pupillages are unfunded perhaps guarantee tenancy and a rent free first year?
If pupillages are unfunded perhaps guarantee tenancy and a rent free first year?
