Qualifying for the Bar

The Bar Standards Board oversees the three stages that must be completed to qualify as a Barrister and the process of transfering to the Bar from practice abroad or as a Solicitor in practice in England & Wales.

1. Academic Stage

Either an undergraduate degree in law (2ii minimum), or an undergraduate degree in any other subject (2ii minimum) and the one-year conversion course (CPE). Please see the degree/cpe section for further information.

2. Vocational Stage

The Bar Vocational Course, which can be completed full time over one year or part time over two.

Once you have successfully completed the BVC you will be Called to the Bar by your Inn. During the BVC year and before Call can take place you will also have to undertake 12 qualifying sessions (previously known as "dining") with your Inn.

Please see the BVC section for full information on the BVC, the Inns and qualifying sessions.

3. Pupillage

A one-year training period spent in an authorised pupillage training organisation (either barristers' chambers or another approved legal environment). See the Pupillage section for full information.

4. Transfer to the Bar

Qualified solicitors, qualified lawyers from other common law countries and legal academics are able to transfer to practice at the Bar. For further details please see the Transfer to the Bar section.

If you require further information on Careers at the Bar please click here for the Bar Council’s website.