Step 3: Getting the vocational qualifications The academic stage of training provides a general, theoretical introduction to the law. The next step is to acquire some legal training specific to work as a barrister

THIS IS KNOWN AS "the vocational stage" and consists of a one year course: the Bar Vocational Course (BVC). Traditionally the BVC has ben available at only one institution, the Inns of Court School of Law in London. However from September 1997 it will also be offered by a few, carefully selected institutions offering the BVC. Applications will be made through a centralised-clearing system known as CACH (Centralised Applications and Clearing House). It will also be possible to do the course on a part-time basis over two years. You should aim to gain as much relevant experience and knowledge as you can during the vocational stage. This might include: debating, mooting (hloding mock trials), work for a Citizen's Advice Bureau or the Free Representation Unit, attending court, marshalling (shadowing a judge), further mini-pupillages....or, at the very least, reading the legal pages in the newspapres. Any of these activities should assist you in the search for a pupillage.

Further Information: Course content Assessment