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Additional considerations for those with a disability applying to the Bar, whether to disclose it in your pupillage application – and the advantages of doing so. By Rebecca Griffiths
If you are an applicant to the Bar who has a disability, be encouraged that you are by no means the first. Those already practising at the Bar have a range of disabilities, and there are many organisations representing and supporting them and those aspiring to the Bar. There is increasing awareness of the benefits of a more diverse Bar, not least in its better alignment with the society we represent. But there are additional considerations for those with a disability applying to the Bar.
A mentor is even more important for applicants who have a disability, to discuss the many decisions to be made throughout the application process. If you do not have a mentor, consider researching and accessing the mentoring opportunities and networks that offer support (see below).
In addition to a mentor, it is advisable to seek assistance from someone who knows you well and understands how your disability affects you, so that more personal support is available throughout the process.
Although there is no requirement to disclose any disability in applications for educational institutions* or to mini-pupillage and pupillage providers, you may decide that you prefer to do so. The choice is completely your own, but your decision might be assisted by discussing it with someone you trust and who knows you and your disability well. Be encouraged that disclosure increasingly leads to a positive and supportive response, with the profession becoming more aware of the importance of a more inclusive Bar, and more willing to help.
There are a number of advantages in disclosing a disability.
If you decide to disclose a disability, do it sooner rather than later so that all necessary adjustments can be fully put in place before you start your course, mini-pupillage, interview, or pupillage.
Research the different routes to the Bar to decide which is best for to you:
As an applicant with a disability, it is important to safeguard your welfare, sustaining throughout the application process all the measures and routines you usually require. For example, keep time in your schedule for continued use of the gym to manage your depression, or for massages to assist in your pain management. It is a long and stressful process, so be alert to any warning signs, and respond to them. Someone who knows you well can do the same. You will give yourself the best chance to succeed by optimising your welfare.
All candidates are advised to be selective in their applications, filtering by reference to area of law or geographical location. Applicants with a disability may wish to be even more selective, such as focusing on providers expressing genuine interest in equality and diversity at the Bar, or simply limiting their number of applications to avoid aggravating a physical or mental health condition.
Many organisations offer general support to applicants with a disability. For example:
You are best placed to know yourself and how your disability affects you and to ensure that this guides your management of the application process. Prepare yourself by putting in place and maintaining the safeguards you need. Ultimately, your better wellbeing will result in a stronger application. With each rejection, an inevitable part of the process, remind yourself of your strength in surmounting the additional difficulties you have overcome so far, and that you have resilience to conquer the next stage, too.
Finally, good luck: you’ll need a little of that, as well!
* Although the Data Protection Act 1998 confers a right of privacy over information about your disability, do be aware that Bar Course providers may have a policy that members of staff will be told about your disability, so you may want to ask for information not to be shared.
Rebecca Griffiths is a barrister with physical and mental health conditions who practises from Apex Chambers in Cardiff and is on the steering groups for AllBar and BLEMI.
If you are an applicant to the Bar who has a disability, be encouraged that you are by no means the first. Those already practising at the Bar have a range of disabilities, and there are many organisations representing and supporting them and those aspiring to the Bar. There is increasing awareness of the benefits of a more diverse Bar, not least in its better alignment with the society we represent. But there are additional considerations for those with a disability applying to the Bar.
A mentor is even more important for applicants who have a disability, to discuss the many decisions to be made throughout the application process. If you do not have a mentor, consider researching and accessing the mentoring opportunities and networks that offer support (see below).
In addition to a mentor, it is advisable to seek assistance from someone who knows you well and understands how your disability affects you, so that more personal support is available throughout the process.
Although there is no requirement to disclose any disability in applications for educational institutions* or to mini-pupillage and pupillage providers, you may decide that you prefer to do so. The choice is completely your own, but your decision might be assisted by discussing it with someone you trust and who knows you and your disability well. Be encouraged that disclosure increasingly leads to a positive and supportive response, with the profession becoming more aware of the importance of a more inclusive Bar, and more willing to help.
There are a number of advantages in disclosing a disability.
If you decide to disclose a disability, do it sooner rather than later so that all necessary adjustments can be fully put in place before you start your course, mini-pupillage, interview, or pupillage.
Research the different routes to the Bar to decide which is best for to you:
As an applicant with a disability, it is important to safeguard your welfare, sustaining throughout the application process all the measures and routines you usually require. For example, keep time in your schedule for continued use of the gym to manage your depression, or for massages to assist in your pain management. It is a long and stressful process, so be alert to any warning signs, and respond to them. Someone who knows you well can do the same. You will give yourself the best chance to succeed by optimising your welfare.
All candidates are advised to be selective in their applications, filtering by reference to area of law or geographical location. Applicants with a disability may wish to be even more selective, such as focusing on providers expressing genuine interest in equality and diversity at the Bar, or simply limiting their number of applications to avoid aggravating a physical or mental health condition.
Many organisations offer general support to applicants with a disability. For example:
You are best placed to know yourself and how your disability affects you and to ensure that this guides your management of the application process. Prepare yourself by putting in place and maintaining the safeguards you need. Ultimately, your better wellbeing will result in a stronger application. With each rejection, an inevitable part of the process, remind yourself of your strength in surmounting the additional difficulties you have overcome so far, and that you have resilience to conquer the next stage, too.
Finally, good luck: you’ll need a little of that, as well!
* Although the Data Protection Act 1998 confers a right of privacy over information about your disability, do be aware that Bar Course providers may have a policy that members of staff will be told about your disability, so you may want to ask for information not to be shared.
Additional considerations for those with a disability applying to the Bar, whether to disclose it in your pupillage application – and the advantages of doing so. By Rebecca Griffiths
The Chair of the Bar reports back
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how global events can influence the performance of pensions and ISAs, and why taking a long-term approach to investing is often the most effective strategy
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, discusses what family law professionals need to know about hallucinogens, from the main hallucinogenic drugs encountered in family proceedings, to their effects and the testing options available
Harmony Christian Ministries is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
By David Green
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, examines the forensic science underpinning hair drug testing, its evidential scope and limitations, and why it remains the gold standard for evidencing patterns of drug use in family proceedings
Developing a tech start-up demands a different definition of excellence to the Bar, says Saara Idelbi. The co-creator of Advocatr on entrepreneurship, AI advocacy training, and matching the thrill of a killer cross-examination
At the start of her term, Chair of the Bar 2026 Kirsty Brimelow KC set out a series of priorities for the year ahead. One of those priorities was children in the justice system
As the world becomes more digital, Barbara Vinagre Mota examines international research into the mental health consequences of judges’ exposure to graphic and immersive evidence, highlighting the importance of support systems
Reviewed by Daniel Barnett
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC
