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.

Personal support

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.

The decision to disclose

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.

The advantages of disclosing a disability

  • Referring to a disability may help if you need to explain something, such as a gap in education or having to re-take an exam.
  • Your unique experience of living with your disability will have equipped you with skills necessary for a successful practice at the Bar, so be ready to highlight these positives in written applications and at interview. For example, improved concentration through hearing loss; excellent memory through sight loss; experience advocating for your own rights; organisational skills in managing the impact of your disability alongside your education or work; creativity in solving difficulties you have faced; tenacity, resilience and endurance in succeeding through adversity; a positive attitude and approach; and the ability to understand the challenges and adversities others may face. Don’t be afraid to use the advantages of your disability in this way to distinguish you from other candidates. Being honest about yourself shows maturity and a readiness to face new challenges. However, avoid overloading your application with too much detail about your disability. As a simple guide, consider its merits related to other aspects of your application: if it will make you stand out from other candidates include it; if not, replace it with something that will.

There are a number of advantages in disclosing a disability.

  • There are recruiters who are keen to engage with those with a disability and improve diversity at the Bar, and they will value you, so don’t assume that every recruiter will focus on negative aspects of having a disability. Search for recruiters who are positive about disability and equal treatment, or who have committed to the Disability Confident scheme.
  • Disclosure can allow you to arrange any reasonable adjustments you require. Don’t be afraid to ask for these. You are entitled to them and it is important that you are able to present the best version of yourself at any stage of the process, without putting yourself at a disadvantage compared to other applicants.

Reasonable adjustments

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.

  • If you are applying for the GDL or Bar course, research the various institutions available to determine which will best meet your requirements, and check the gov.uk website as you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
  • When you have a pupillage interview and, finally, pupillage, the Access to Work scheme can provide assistance with support needed for a disability, including practical advice, guidance, and financial assistance for such things as adapting equipment, communication support and extra travel costs. For those with a mental health condition, assistance can be provided to develop a support plan.

Routes to the Bar

Research the different routes to the Bar to decide which is best for to you:

  • Part-time GDL and Bar courses are available.
  • Research pupillages available in addition to those with chambers, such as with the Crown Prosecution Service or through the Legal Trainee Scheme, which offers pupillage in various government departments. These may be able to offer more flexibility of working.
  • For mini-pupillages there are also options other than chambers, such as the Diversity Summer Scheme, which is for those from diverse backgrounds who are currently underrepresented across the legal profession.
  • When researching opportunities for paid work to support your application, consider which would fit conveniently with your schedule and requirements. For example, some employed paralegal or judicial or barrister’s assistant roles might offer flexible hours and remote working.

Safeguarding your welfare

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.

Additional information

Many organisations offer general support to applicants with a disability. For example:

  • In relation to the decision to disclose a disability, Careerswithdisabilities.com has advice for job applications and Disabilityrightsuk.org has advice for course applications.
  • You may still be able to access a disability advisor or careers service at an education establishment that you have left, or you can use National Careers Service Centre, Careers Wales or Skills Development Scotland.
  • There are many other organisations offering advice and support, such as the Association of Disabled Professionals, and the Equality & Human Rights Commission.

A final word

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! 

Networks supporting disability at the Bar

* 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.

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