BSB demands barristers “speak fluent english”

The Bar Standards Board list of “threshold standard competences” 36-page document sets out “the minimum level or standard to which the competences should be performed on day one of practice”.

Barristers, says the “professional statement” document, “will have an effective command of the language and be able to use it appropriately, accurately and fluently so as to handle complex and detailed argumentation”. 

Barristers should “use correct and appropriate vocabulary, English grammar, spelling and punctuation in all communications”. And the board requires that barristers must “speak fluent English”.