Young Barristers Meet to Discuss to the Profession
4 October 2008
Pressures on legal aid, access to a career at the Bar and the need for diversity are among the issues to be addressed later today at the Young Bar Conference in central London.
The conference comes as young barristers rise to a variety of challenges in the external environment for legal services, not least pressures on funding and the new regulatory landscape. It also comes shortly ahead of a major BBC documentary, The Barristers, to be screened this autumn, which will show the reality of life at the Bar.
The Bar is becoming more diverse and accessible, and Lord Neuberger’s 2007 report provides a detailed route map for assuring continued diversity.
Commenting ahead of the today’s conference, Julia Beer, Chairman of the Young Barristers’ Committee, said:
“The profile of the young Bar is changing. Slightly more women than men now obtain pupillage, which, while an achievement, does itself present challenge. Measures are needed to help women stay in the profession. At present there is a marked trend for women to leave self-employed practice at around seven years’ call, which is of particular concern.
“The young Bar reflects the future of the Bar and its potential as providers of specialist advocacy and advisory services. That is why we are especially concerned at the difficulties of making a living from a publicly funded practice.
“It is discouraging that those entering the profession with the intention of helping those least able to help themselves are being deterred from such fields as housing, family and crime. If this trend continues, eventually only those for whom remuneration is not a consideration and those who cannot find better paying private work will be left doing legal aid work. This cannot be in the interests of justice and will result in a two tier justice system.”
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Notes to Editor
1. The Young Barristers’ Committee represents the interests of barristers of up to seven years’ call. Its Chairman is Julia Beer of No 6 Park Square. Alexander Learmonth of New Square Chambers is Vice Chair.
2. For more information including a copy of the Young Bar Conference programme please contact the Bar Council Press Office on 020 7222 2525
