Pupillage Portal hit by technical glitch

A software error in the Pupillage Portal, which resulted in chambers receiving incomplete forms, affected around 2 per cent of all applications made via the system and approxiatemly 11 per cent of applicants with one or more of their applications affected.

In a statement the Bar Council stated: “The Bar Council understands and deeply regrets the concern that this information will cause for applicants. It is working closely with GTI Recruiting Solutions and the Bar Standards Board to ensure regular updates about the extent to which the problem affects this year’s pupillage application round.”

The BSB is currently considering postponing the date upon which pupillages may be formally offered (currently 2 August) to ensure the system is fair and transparent. The news follows the Bar Council making the portal timetable compulsory this year to create a level playing field in terms of time of offers, allowing students to apply more openly for a number of pupillages (read more).

The problem in the system has now been resolved and all affected applicants have been identified.