Requirements for transfer to the Bar

The requirements for transfer to the Bar of England and Wales for qualified lawyers are:

• to seek the approval of the Joint Regulations Committee of the Bar Council to practise at the Bar of England and Wales
• to join one of the Inns of Court
• to pass all parts of the Aptitude Test specified by the Joint Regulations Committee at the same sitting
• to undertake pupillage as specified by the Joint Regulations Committee

Therefore, if you wish to transfer to the Bar, you must first get approval from the General Council of the Bar, who will usually require you to take the Aptitude Test, or certain sections thereof. When you have approval from the Bar Council to take the Aptitude test, you must apply to BPP to take it. BPP organises, sets and marks the test (on behalf of the Bar Council), and also runs the preliminary advocacy training course in preparation for it.

Your first step should be to apply to practise at the Bar of England and Wales. You should contact;

Ms J Dixon,
Secretary of the Joint Regulations Committee,
General Council of the Bar,
289-293 High Holborn
London WC1V 7HZ
Tel No: 0207 242 0082