BVC v CLP

Round 1 (Economics):

CLP v BVC is a fight akin to 2 similar boxers of almost equal power but each with its own distinct strength and weakness. The CLP is a much cheaper examination than the BVC. The BVC is conducted in a posh environment where status is of a primary importance. Therefore, in terms of simple economics, the CLP will probably take the lead into the 2nd round with a considerable margin.

Round 2 (Status):

Obviously paying so much for the BVC has to count for something? Of course it does! A BVC holder is almost guaranteed worldwide recognition. The CLP although held in high regards in Malaysia has to be a pale comparison in terms of global recognition compared to the BVC. Thus, the BVC will take this round!

Round 3 (Employability):

It seems that in Malaysia, both a BVC/CLP holder has an equal footing on the employability scale, that is pending you’re interested in pursuing your career at a law firm. As a matter of fact, there are some who are of the opinion that CLP holders will have a direct advantage here because they are already introduced to Malaysian law at some stage. However, while the BVC holders lose a bit of ground on this respect, it seems that it makes up ground on other areas. Apparently BVC holders are held in higher regard when they are applying for job vacancies at multi-national companies. I have seen examples of BVC providers conducting their syllabus and I have to admit that it is very impressive indeed. On the other hand, I also have to admit that I have not seen how the CLP is conducted, thus, it would not be fair for me to judge its competency. Therefore, this round will probably be a draw.

Round 4 (Passing the exams):

Apparently, many people feel that the BVC is a much ‘easier option’ than the CLP. BEEP! Sorry, wrong answer! I have many friends in both courses who are complaining endlessly that both of these courses are indeed tough. Neither is simple nor easy. The CLP and BVC are constructed in a way as to provide the perfect grounding for an aspiring legal practitioner. Although the CLP has a poor passing rate, the BVC has a poor entry rate. Not many people get to take the BVC and not many people get to pass the CLP. It is also noteworthy that not many BVC students go on to secure a pupilage and lesser still secure a tenancy. Obviously, if you are planning to take the BVC, then you must have some aspiration to work in the UK. Be warned though not many get this chance. So is the BVC worth that much of a bother if your chances of securing a pupilage are so low even though you qualified with a distinction in your BVC?

Round 5 (Quota?):

This is where the final argument lies.

Some people contend that there is a quota put to restrict the passing rate of the CLP exams. If this is true, that means you are not only challenging yourself to attain good grades but you are also competing with other CLP students to see who is the better law student, albeit not necessarily a better lawyer! In this respect, it seems to be better to take the BVC isn’t it? Since by taking the BVC, your future is safely in your own hands, you work hard and excel and you are through while if you slacken and party the year long, you condemn yourself to your own grave. So the main question here is there really a quota?

Verdict: UNDECIDED

Obviously as you can see, I’m still hopelessly UNDECIDED. This article is a plea to all out there who may have views regarding the virtues of either the CLP/BVC. All comments are welcomed without reservation. If my ideas on each of the 5 points stated above are wrong, please do correct my assumptions. I hope this article will stimulate a good response in my comments box.

(eagerly waiting)