The Bar Council is set to introduce a sweeping four-tier grading system for junior barristers.

The new system, which is being championed by new Bar Council chairman Geoffrey Vos QC, could be rolled out to all barristers by 2009.

Junior advocates will start at level one and, as they prove they can handle more serious and complex cases, will work their way up to level four.

From 30 April, the system will be introduced as a pilot scheme, affecting some publicly-funded criminal work. If it is successful it will be introduced for all publicly-funded work. The Bar Council will then consider whether to implement it across the Bar.

Chambers are likely to be responsible for grading their own members for the first two levels. This will be monitored by a central body such as the Bar Standards Board. Regional and national panels will carry out certification for grades three and four through peer review, including a reference process.

Vos, head of commercial set 3 Stone Buildings, told Legal Week: "There will be some form of peer review carried out, but this will not involve people sitting in court. The system is to be as 'light touch' as possible."

The new grading would replace the traditional measure of experience – the amount of time spent practising – and follows the introduction of new age discrimination legislation.

Former Young Bar Council chairman Tom Little said: "It is a significant move. It is a reasonable and sensible step to take, and should ensure that all of those providing advocacy will have to aspire to the same standards and competency, allowing a level playing field for all advocates."

He added: "People do develop at different rates and speeds. A certain number of years' call has not held people back, but this scheme can only assist in that regard."