How competitive is getting pupillage? What are the key indicators of success? The Bar Council answers commonly asked questions
Emma Fielding’s selection of legal podcasts for aspiring barristers
The Bridging the Bar Academy is committed to increasing equality of access to opportunities for all underrepresented groups at the Bar. Jaya Sudera describes her experience of the scheme and application process
Entering law essay competitions can be a great way to distinguish yourself as a pupil candidate, says Josh Neaman
The Bar Council crunches the data to tell the real story of who gets pupillage... and when
Rosalind Phelps KC on the value of mentoring and a scheme for students from groups currently underrepresented at the Commercial Bar
After a successful pilot in 2020, Bridging the Bar’s mini-pupillage scheme formally launches in September. Mass Ndow-Njie outlines what applicants can expect
Different working paths to the Bar before, during – or even instead of – the pupillage round
UK
Details of the qualification requirements can be found in the information pack. It is expected that the successful applicant will take up their post in the spring of 2027.
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