Advocating a single training system

Martin Edwards, a barrister of more than 11 years’ standing, has emailed Legal Week to endorse last week’s editorial comment , in which I suggested that training for barristers and solicitors should be fused to encourage would-be barristers to start out their careers as solicitors before crossing over to the Bar.

This is precisely what Edwards, a planning specialist, did. He spent 15 years as a solicitor at a number of leading City firms before joining 39 Essex Street. Since then he has, in his own words, “never looked back”. What is more, there are a number of former solicitors at 39 Essex Street, including Jeremy Morgan QC, formerly of Bindman & Partners. The experience of Edwards and those of his colleagues who also crossed over to the Bar defy the stereotype that solicitors only become barristers in the twilight of their careers.

Like many barristers and judges, Edwards is worried that the Bar is fast becoming the bastion of the rich thanks to the paucity of pupillages on offer each year.

A recent survey conducted by the Bar Council demonstrated just how difficult it is to train at the Bar and, if you read the responses that were posted by readers in response to our coverage of this issue, you get a sense of the extent of the anger and frustration that is building up (see story and feedback).

“Neil Kinnock once pointed out that he was the first member of his family to go to University,” says Edwards, who was himself educated in the state system. “There was a period during the 1960s and 70s when it really was possible for people from less privileged backgrounds to gain access to the Bar. I’m worried that the Bar is reverting to type and that could become a grave weakness.”

john.malpas@legalweek.com