The number of barristers across England and Wales has dropped for the first time in five years, a report has revealed in a sign that the impact of the pandemic is forcing some out of the profession.
The Bar Standards Board report says that the main cause of the decline is a reduction in the number of people undergoing pupillages.
But it says that there also appears to have been a greater number of “non-QCs” leaving the Bar this year and a drop in the numbers of existing pupils entering practice as fully fledged barristers.
The trend will heighten concern that the decline in cases going to court caused by the pandemic is making it unaffordable for some to continue as barristers as their pay dries up.
Senior figures have warned that those from less affluent backgrounds are particularly vulnerable.
The number of pupils fell by 121 last year and although there were 60 more barristers below the level of QC, this was much lower than previous years and probably reflected more leaving the profession and fewer progressing from pupillages.
