Bar Council survey finds disabled pupils and those in practising stage report higher stress levels and lower confidence about long-term careers at the bar
Most pupil barristers report a positive experience of pupillage, according to new findings from the Bar Council, although disabled pupils and those in the practising stage of training continue to report more negative experiences than their peers.
The Bar Council’s latest pupil survey found that 83% of pupils described their overall experience of pupillage as positive, including 56% who said it was very positive. Around three-quarters said they believed a career at the Bar remained viable, despite pressures relating to workload and work-life balance.
The representative body said the results suggest most pupils are satisfied with the quality of training they receive during pupillage.
Despite the overall positive picture, the survey identified disparities affecting disabled pupils, particularly those who are neurodivergent.
Just under one-third of disabled pupils reported dissatisfaction with their overall pupillage experience, compared with around 13% of pupils without a disability. Disabled pupils were also less satisfied with induction arrangements and were less confident about their future career prospects at the Bar.
The findings highlight continuing concerns about accessibility and support for disabled pupils during the training period.
Differences also emerged between pupils at different stages of training.
Those in their second six practising period reported higher stress levels and greater exposure to inappropriate behaviour than pupils in their first six months of pupillage. They were also more likely to express uncertainty about whether a long-term career at the Bar remained viable.
The Bar Council said these findings reflect the additional pressures associated with the transition from observation-based training to undertaking work independently.
The survey found that reported incidents of bullying, harassment and discrimination among pupils appear to be lower than those reported across the Bar more widely, although such behaviour continues to occur.
Where incidents were reported, they most commonly related to gender and race.
In terms of those responsible, the most frequently identified source was another barrister. However, around one quarter of pupils identified their supervisor, while approximately one third identified members of the judiciary, as responsible for inappropriate behaviour.
Despite the challenges identified in the survey, most pupils said they remained confident about continuing their careers within the profession.
The Bar Council said the findings indicate that while pupillage is generally experienced positively, further work is needed to address disparities affecting disabled pupils and those in the practising stage of training.