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Barristers please help - BPTC scholarship - advice needed

2 replies

Legaldoodle · 03/04/2015 18:07

My DD has been awarded a scholarship towards her BPTC course from a provider . She has also been awared a 'performance award' from another provider . They are more or less the same value. What would look better on the CV? The scholarship was awarded by competition and the other by her performance at interview for a place on the course. She also has another scholarship which is more prestigious and of significantly higher value . Any advice welcome .

OP posts:
LegalFalcon · 11/04/2015 15:32

When you say " a provider" do you mean from the BPTC course provider?

Basically, the only thing barristers really take notice of is scholarships awarded by an Inn of Court. They get that - it's familiar turf.

Beyond that, any award or scholarship is a good think. From what you have said, it doesn't sound like there is much difference between the two - they are both competitive.

I'm not sure what you are asking. Do you mean she has two offers of two award/scholarships on two different BPTC courses? But she can only accept one?

If so, the "look and feel" of the award is far less important than the institution where she will do the BPTC. Some are better than others. This doesn't matter from a pupillage point of view.

(The bar generally thinks the BPTC is a waste of time and money; you learn most of the job actually on the job as a pupil. In other words, an "outstanding" assessment on the BPTC is worth little compared to a 1st in an undergrad degree.)

but it matters from an education point of view and a personal experience point of view. Eg. some course providers are notorious for accepting low ability students; some with a poor grasp of English. One of the assessments is negotiation. It is very dispiriting and difficult to perform well in a negotiation if your opponent is in that class. At least that's what BPTC students tell me and it makes sense.

Similarly, if one of the courses means she can live at home and save money etc. probably a better choice. These kind of factors are more important really.

The BPTC is just a hurdle you have to jump of little real value or importance. Getting pupillage is the key.

Hope some of that is of some help.

LegalFalcon · 11/04/2015 15:32
  • a good thing
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