I don't think that these are figures to be celebrated. We simply are not doing enough to break down barriers to entry of the profession. A thread: https://twitter.com/barstandards/status/1327234768107409409

These figures mark an increase since Jan 2019 of £94 for London and £279 for out of London. In comparison to the Law Society minimum recommended salaries for trainee solicitors, they are still £3,581 short for London and £1,126 short for out of London. https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/en/topics/hr-and-people-management/recommended-minimum-salary-for-trainee-solicitors

The BSB press release suggests that each minimum "is set having regard to the Living Wage Foundation’s hourly rate recommendations." The living wage calculator does suggest that the figures match. https://www.gov.uk/am-i-getting-minimum-wage/y/current_payment/not_an_apprentice/26/30/168.0/1580.0/no/no/no

But is this enough? Is it sufficient to award an amount which is just about enough to cover someone's bills? No - and that's where the barriers seem all the higher. It misses the point. Forgive my London-centricity, an example from my own experience during pupillage (2017-2018):

c.£1500pcm would have been just about enough to cover my single room rent (£700), a zones 1-4 monthly travel card (£199) and bills (council tax, insurance, phone,internet, food £350). Would have left, perhaps £250pcm. Happy days?

For me, and other single males with recourse to family support, absolutely. "It's an investment. It's only one year." But what if I'm not one of those single males? What if I'm a parent? What about childcare, school clothes, food, birthdays? It's very close to breaking point.

Suppose I took out a loan to pay for the BPTC because I couldn't afford to spend a year without earning already, and my scholarship (if I were lucky enough to get one) didn't cover the whole cost + living expenses? What if I use my overdraft or credit card to survive?

And what of the 'hidden costs' of pupillage? If the award is just enough to cover my bills if I scrimp and save, how do I afford a laptop? How do I deal with unexpected expenditure if something breaks? Where on earth am I finding the £600 for the cheapest wig and gown I can buy?

These are points wholly ignored by the minimum awards. No applicant should have to pose themselves the question "could I survive on that?" when hovering over the "send" button of a pupillage application. The fact that many do is a colossal barrier to entry of the profession.

I'm very proud that my Chambers, like most (I hope), awards significantly more than the BSB minimum award. Similarly, of the incredible generosity of the Inns of Court in their scholarship offerings (to those who aren't entirely put off and feel able to admit they need help).

But a little over a week after the BSB published frankly shocking data on the disparity of earnings at the Bar, we really should be doing better than this. https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/uploads/assets/1ee64764-cd34-4817-80174ca6304f1ac0/Income-at-the-Bar-by-Gender-and-Ethnicity-Final.pdf

I can't change the BSB approach alone. If you're applying for pupillage and worried you can't afford it, please get in touch. I don't have a pot of money, but I can give you time, and talk you through external support, scholarships + grants available. I'm not alone. Nor are you!