Expansion of Bar Placement Week

The week is a bespoke programme which is designed to give high-flying sixth form students from under-represented backgrounds a look into what life is like as a barrister.

The scheme has been running in London for eight years, and over the past few years has successfully extended it to Manchester, Leeds, Bristol and Birmingham – meaning that Liverpool is the sixth UK location to benefit from the scheme.

With one of the stated aims of the Council being the opening of access to the legal profession, this initiative seems to suggest that they are prioritising this aim.

The programme for the week includes career talks, talks with a local judge, and classes dedicated to training as an advocate, as well as three days shadowing a barrister both in court and in their chambers.

Chairman of the Bar, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, said: “The Bar is a small and specialist profession and opportunities to gain career experience like this can be few and far between - especially outside of London. I am delighted to see barristers giving up their time to offer students this unique opportunity. 

“Extending the reach of Bar Placement Week can help open the way for students who may not have considered a career as a barrister. This initiative is about widening the talent pool and showing those with potential, irrespective of their background, what it means to be a barrister.

"For all we know, the QC’s of tomorrow could be amongst those taking part in this programme.”