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Access to the law – knowing what it says, how and why decisions were made, what one can and cannot do – is fundamental to the Rule of Law. Indeed, it is part of ³ÉÈËÓ°Òô' 4-step definition for the Rule of Law.

The right to access the law is essential for everyone. We all need to know what the law says in order to enforce our rights and seek its protection. However, the law can also be complex and difficult to understand, so often we will turn to a professional to seek advice. Ensuring these professionals have access to up-to-date legislation, case law, practical guidance and templates is at the heart of what we do at ³ÉÈËÓ°Òô. We work closely with lawyers across the UK to provide the latest information they need to support and advise their clients.

Pupil barristers need access to the latest legal research and guidance

In the UK, a pupil barrister normally trains for 12 months before qualifying. Getting access can be more challenging at the start of your career – particularly if you are a pupil barrister. Often self-employed, and with a short window within which to secure tenancy, any additional expense is a material consideration. And we already know that this is more of a challenge for aspiring barristers from poorer backgrounds, who are less likely to have other means of financial support. That is why ³ÉÈËÓ°Òô has decided to provide free access to LexisPSL for pupil barristers for the duration of their pupillage. 

The challenges of becoming of barrister in today's market

As seen in the news recently, the criminal barristers strike as highlighting some of the many challenges barristers are up against. Today, anyone looking for legal advice will face an uphill battle, often at one of the darkest moments of their life. A combination of cuts, cost reductions and COVID-19 have made it increasingly difficult to navigate the criminal justice system. Equally, for those in the civil sector, the demand for advice often outweighs the supply. Our own studies have shown that 70% of people facing a legal problem cannot access legal advice at all. 

And so we want to do what we can for those right at the start of their careers at the Bar – to play our part in making sure that a lack of financial means is not a barrier to entry and to support the barristers of the future, on whom many of us will rely. After all, access to quality legal advice, together with a diverse and representative Bar, are key to protecting the Rule of Law.

Click here to request free access to LexisPSL for your pupil barristers.