We are working hard to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our frontline services. Our current Rules have resulted in a large number of applicants from Transferring Qualified Lawyers (TQLs) who will never practise in England and Wales.
Today, we are introducing a temporary pause on new applications from TQLs who do not have confirmed route into practise in England and Wales. This means that, for now, we will only be accepting applications where there is evidence of an offer of pupillage with an authorised pupillage training provider, and/or an offer of tenancy or employment for which the applicant requires a practising certificate for the Bar of England and Wales.
There will be no impact on individual cases where reciprocal arrangements are in place, nor on international arbitration cases seated in England and Wales.
More details on the eligibility requirements and evidence required is set out on our website.
Phil Golding, Director General, The Bar Standards Board said:
“We need to make changes to our processes and rules to ensure the system is more focused on those who will practise in the jurisdiction. This will also help to reduce the large backlog of applications already in the system.
The intention is in no way to discourage anyone who can demonstrate they have the required skills and route to practise in England and Wales from applying. However, we wish to focus our resources on those who have this realistic prospect of successfully doing so.”
