Bar Barometers, Aptitude Tests and THOSE numbers

With the Bar Standards Board releasing its (second) annual statistical report or Barometer as they more elegantly describe it, and the legal journos picking up on the increase in those applying to do the BPTC, it occurred to me now would be a good time to pick up a few points on aptitude test I've …

What is wrong with elitism?

The Times are today running a package on whether judges are too white, too male and too elitist? (I'd link if I had one, but paywalls mean I can't). As someone who is too white, and male, I am going to focus on what is meant by being too elitist. Friend of lazy researchers, Wikipedia, …

Should the Profession abandon its search for the G-spot? Aptitude Tests (Again)

Research published by the Legal Services Board by Chris Dewberry brings into sharper relief the value of aptitude tests and their application to the legal professions. For me it suggests that the value of aptitude tests is most likely to be felt at the entry into University stage (and possibly not there) but that ensuring …

Aptitude Tests Research Reveals there are Better Alternatives?

A report to the Law Society claims that LPC aptitude tests offer a "number of benefits".  That claim is not looking very strong according to a report of the research report they have commissioned. As I can't get access to the report yet [footnote: the report link is now working thanks to some speedy work …

Aptitude Tests: when will they have worked?

I remain agnostic about aptitude tests. If they truly are good indicators of aptitude, and if they can encourage greater diversity in the profession, then there is significant merit in them especially if they inform decisions by chambers (which will be the real practical test of their ultimate success). There are, however, significant, but not …

Aptitude Tests: Some Evidence

The Sutton Trust has published a fascinating study of the value an aptitude test (the SAT Reasoning TestTM) as a predictor of academic success. The report is of critical interest to anyone interested in access to higher education and access to graduate professions, such as the law. It is particularly interesting in the context of …

Aptitude tests: right idea, wrong time?

It appears the Law Society are playing catch up with the Bar Standards Board and considering an aptitude test for entrants into the Legal Practice Course (Legal Futures reports). The primary aim appears to be to tackle the mismatch between those studying the LPC and those getting training contacts. Legalfutures reports this as a scandal, …