The number of pupillages on offer to aspiring barristers has hit a record high, latest figures from the Bar Council reveal. In 2022/23, there were 638 pupillages advertised on the central Pupillage Gateway, 10.4% more than the 578 advertised in 2021/22.

It is the highest number since figures began in 2018/2019, when 515 pupillages were advertised, and represents a recovery from the pandemic slump. 

The Bar Council report also reveals that more people applied for pupillage, with 2,979 applicants in 2022/23 compared with 2,782 in 2021/22.

Bar chair Sam Townend KC, said: ‘I am delighted to see that the number of pupillages offered on the Gateway has hit a new record, surpassing the numbers seen before the pandemic. The encouraging increase in pupillage awards shows that the bar overall is doing well with chambers having confidence in the future of the profession.’

The report found the biggest indicator of success in securing pupillage was degree classification, with 60.1% of offers made to applicants with a first class honours degree, while only 36.1% of offers made were to those with an upper second class degree.

Just 1.7% of candidates who applied without having ever attended a mini-pupillage obtained an offer of pupillage, while 12.7% of candidates who had attended at least one mini-pupillage received an offer.

A majority of candidates - 53.1% - who received an offer had secured one of the prestigious scholarships offered by the Inns of Court.

The number of pupillages available at the criminal bar saw an even greater increase than elsewhere, with 218 pupillages advertised, a 21.1% increase from 2021/2022. 

It follows criminal barristers taking industrial action in 2022 over rates for criminal legal aid work.  

In 2023, the minimum pupillage award was raised to a minimum of £20,703 for 12-month pupillages in London and £18,884 outside London, as recommended by the Living Wage Foundation.

 

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