Victorian Bar Entrance Exam case studies
Victorian Bar Entrance Exam · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Victorian Bar Entrance Exam is the assessment used within the Victorian Bar's 'Becoming a Barrister' pathway, sitting alongside the Bar Readers' Course and the Bar's guidance on practising law in Victoria. It is intended for lawyers who are considering a move to the independent Bar and who need to demonstrate the reasoning, comprehension and professional-judgement foundations that barristers rely on daily - not substantive memorisation of a single practice area. The Victorian Bar Entrance Exam case studies are 5 cases and about 2,727 words.
1The Conflict Waiver That Arrived Too Late
Priya, a barrister, is briefed to advise Meridian Pty Ltd on a contractual dispute with its former supplier, Kestrel Ltd. Two weeks before the trial, Priya's instructing solicitor sends her a signed conflict waiver from Meridian and mentions in passing that Priya's former pupil master, David, now sits as a part-time member of the tribunal panel that may hear any appeal.
592 words, about 3 min2Reading the Clause That Decides the Case
A lease contains the following clause: "The Tenant shall not assign this Lease without the Landlord's consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided that the Tenant has paid all Rent due at the date of the request and has provided the Landlord with such information as the Landlord may reasonably require." The tenant, a small bakery, seeks consent to assign to a chain supermarket. The landlord refuses, citing (a) the proposed assignee's business is 'not in keeping with the character of the building' and (b) the tenant was two days late with the previous quarter's rent, now paid.
554 words, about 3 min3The Witness Who Remembers Differently
In a civil trial, a barrister has three witnesses. Witness A gave a statement 18 months ago saying the car was 'dark blue'.
560 words, about 3 min4The Settlement Offer With a Hidden Condition
A plaintiff claims 180,000 for a back injury. Liability is admitted; quantum is disputed.
511 words, about 3 min5The Junior Who Was Asked to Sign Off
A junior solicitor prepares a statement of claim in a complex fraud matter. The partner is on leave.
510 words, about 3 min