The Bar Vocation Course

Anyone who wants to be a barrister will have to apply for a place on the Bar Vocational Course (BVC). Until a few years ago this course was only offered at The Inns of Court School of Law, but now a number of UK institutions run a course on a full-time and part-time basis. Before registration on the BVC you must join one of the four Inns; some of you will have done this already.

How do I apply?

You will have to apply through CACH (the Centralised Applications and Clearing House). You make your application on a floppy disk (don't panic as you don't need to be computer literate) and select, in order of preference, three courses. At the same time you have to make your clearing selections, just in case you are not successful with your first three choices. Make sure you get your CACH application in on time - check dates with your careers service. CACH application packs are available from law departments and the Bar Council.

Timetable for BVC applications

CACH arrangements for the forthcoming year are as follows: 3 September 2001 - CACH opens; 2 November - closing date for CACH application; 1 March 2002 - closing date for late/clearing applications; 26 March 2002 - despatch of first round offers and rejections.

CACH packs can be obtained from CACH, The General Council of the Bar, Education and Training Department, 2/3 Cursitor Street, London EC4A 1NE by sending an A4 SAE with 80p postage from 5 September onwards. Do not send before this date as PACH is in full swing and early applications will not be kept.

Do I stand a chance?

Competition for places is tough. Although the number of places has increased to over 1,500, in 1999/2000 over 2,200 students applied for a place on the BVC.

What will I study?

The Bar Council monitors all BVC courses and a course will only be recognised if it satisfies the Bar's vocational stage of training.

The main skills taught on the BVC include:

• Case work
• Fact management
• Legal research
• Written skills
• Opinion writing (giving written advice)
• Drafting of documents
• Interpersonal skills
• Conference skills (Interviewing clients)
• Negotiation
• Advocacy (court or tribunal appearances)

The main areas of knowledge taught include civil litigation, criminal litigation, evidence and sentencing, plus two optional subjects. If you have particular optional subjects that you want to do, make sure you check with the course provider that they will be offered regardless of the number of students who want to do it.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment differs by institution. It will include multiple choice papers, written papers and presentations. Ask the Course Leader how you will be assessed.

The Bar Council

The full details of this article appear on the Bar Council's website at www.barcouncil.org.uk, together with a list of BVC providers, details of contacts and links to the relevant websites.