Foreword
Paul Philip Chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Richard Atkins QC Chair of the Bar
It gives me great pleasure to once again welcome you to The LawCareers.Net Handbook . We all know that the standing of the legal profession in England and Wales is one of the highest in the world. Solicitors are around 85% of regulated legal service providers and make an enormous contribution to our international reputation. We want to continue to play our part in making sure all would-be solicitors have reached the high standards expected of them before entering the profession. You will be aware that we are introducing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). This will make sure that, regardless of the training route potential solicitors choose, everyone has developed their skills and expertise to a consistent, high standard. So, what does this mean for you? Well, there are no immediate changes as the SQE will not be introduced until September 2021 at the earliest. Still, you might want to consider it as part of your plans. Regardless of whether you are looking at a training contract or pupillage, I wish you all the best in your training.
With all of its history and tradition, a career as a barrister may seem shrouded in mystery. As someone who came from a non- legal background, outside of London, I can tell you first-hand however that the Bar is open to you, regardless of your background. The Bar offers one of the most stimulating, varied, challenging and exciting careers available. Barristers are advocates and specialist legal advisors who play an extremely important role in helping individuals and institutions understand, pursue and defend their legal rights. The Bar’s reputation is respected around the world. Choosing a career as a barrister involves hard work, dedication and effort; but this profession offers real fulfilment to those who succeed. Pupillage provides aspiring barristers with the practical skills and experience needed to become a barrister. The pupillage application process is very competitive, but we are doing all that we can to attract and encourage the best candidates from the widest possible pool of talent. This handbook will help you with your application for pupillage and guide you through the various stages. It contains a comprehensive account of the training required for a career at the Bar, as well as information to help you decide to which area of practice you may be most suited. Good luck to all applying for pupillage. I hope you will enjoy a career in this wonderful profession, as I have.
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THE LAWCAREERS.NET HANDBOOK
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