Law Update: Selection process

The first batch of students to be offered places on the Bar's vocational course under the new selection procedures include fewer women and candidates of ethnic origin. 40 per cent of the applicants were women, with 34 per cent being offered places. Of 21 per cent of the applicants of ethnic origin, 10 per cent were offered places. 40 per cent of current Bar finalists are women and 14 per cent are of ethnic origin.

The selection system, developed by occupational psychologists, was based on a 'critical reasoning test', an academic achievement score, a score compiled from responses on the application form, and another from a form which asked for examples of how students had demonstrated some of the key skills required by barristers.