Barristers Try to Extend Their Talent Pool

A series of measures designed to enable would-be barristers, no matter what their financial back ground, to pursue careers at the Bar will be unveiled today.

- a placement programme to enable gifted children from state schools to learn about the Bar, the Courts and about barristers at first hand: this will be delivered in co-operation with the Social Mobility Foundation and will enable school students to take an early and informed decision as to whether they wish to read law at university so as to be in the best position to enter the profession.

- that the Bar Council is working towards putting together a new package of bank loans on favourable terms to allow young, aspiring barristers from poorer backgrounds to finance the BVC year and then have the financial ability to establish themselves in practice before they need to repay.  These loans will be available alongside the Inns of Court's well-established scholarship and awards programmes.