Lawyers back New Bar Course, say it will raise standards

The mandatory six-month New Bar Course (NBC), set to launch in 2028, aims to ensure aspiring lawyers meet the required competency and professional standards before commencing pupillage, according to two senior lawyers. Salim Bashir, a former Bar Council president, expressed support for the reform, stating that a structured professional training program could enhance CLP pass rates without compromising the standards for legal profession admission.

The NBC's focus will be on developing critical skills such as advocacy, procedures in civil and criminal cases, corporate law, mediation, drafting, and other essential skills, rather than placing emphasis on rigorous examinations. The current Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) framework, which does not mandate preparatory courses, has proven inadequate as low pass rates between 19% and 23% have been consistently observed over the past few years.

The NBC will require candidates to attend a six-month legal practice post-graduate certificate (LPPC) course offered by accredited institutions before sitting for an examination. This conversion course will be mandatory for holders of non-qualifying law degrees from LPQB-recognized foreign institutions, who must complete a three-month self-study course using an online platform developed by the board.

Bar Council member Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo emphasized that practical training is crucial, as passing a written examination does not guarantee readiness for legal practice. A candidate relying solely on rote learning may struggle even with substantial theoretical knowledge, even in tasks like preparing affidavits or advising clients on risks.

The NBC aims to address these weaknesses through structured instruction, regular assessments, mock examinations, and personalized feedback.