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Yorkshire is on the North Eastern Circuit with over 20 sets of chambers which are mainly based in Leeds with others in Sheffield, York, Bradford, Wakefield, Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Doncaster.

A pupillage of at least 12 months is undertaken in chambers as the final practical step on the road to qualification after which pupils aim to be granted a tenancy - a permanent place in chambers. About ten pupillages are available in Yorkshire each year and competition for places is high with only about a third of those who start training eventually securing a tenancy.

To be eligible to apply for a pupillage you must have a law degree or non-law degree plus the appropriate conversion course and have successfully completed the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) which is offered by one provider in Yorkshire, the BPP Law School in Leeds from 2004.

As an intending barrister you should thoroughly research the profession and undertake work experience in chambers (mini-pupillage) before committing yourself to entering the profession.

About 80% of barristers are self-employed, working from sets of chambers. Others work in the employed bar in local government, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Government Legal Service and some in firms of solicitors.

Useful links:

The Bar Council

Comprehensive guide to training and the profession by the barristers' professional body.

Bar Standards Board - Education and Training

The independent regulatory board of the Bar Council, this site provides detailed information about training and qualifying as a barrister.

BPP Law School, Leeds, Bar Vocational Course (BVC)

The only place in the region which offers the BVC.          

On-Line Pupillage Application System - OLPAS

Lists all pupillages and offers an on-line application system for many pupillage vacancies. Also indicates the availability of mini-pupillages (work experience). 

Legal Hub

Online legal resource for barristers and solicitors.  Includes the Bar Directory (see below ) and Top 10 legal firms.

Bar Directory

Search for barristers by name, chambers or city/town.