How to become a barrister

A barrister is usually instructed by a solicitor on behalf of their client to represent them in court during legal proceedings and can specialise in a wide range of areas. Barristers can also be instructed by an individual directly, and may work on a self-employed basis (within private chambers) or be employed by a professional department or agency such as the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service).

To become a barrister you’ll need a combination of academic qualifications and vocational and ‘pupillage’ training. While a degree in law is ideal, it’s worth noting that you can still enter the profession even if your undergraduate degree was in an unrelated subject.

• Undergraduate degrees – the best route into becoming a barrister is to take a degree in law. In order to progress to the next stage, you’ll need to secure at least a class 2:2 pass, and the course must be an approved, qualifying law degree
• Postgraduate degrees – if you have a class 2:2 degree or above in a subject other than law, you can undertake a conversion course called the Graduate Diploma in Law in order to start your journey towards becoming a barrister
• Vocational training – to enter this stage of your barrister training, you’ll have to pass the BCAT to ensure you have the required skills, and then join an ‘Inns of Court’ before undertaking a variety of vocational bar courses
• Pupillage – this is a two-part work-based component split into a non-practising and practicing element, each lasting six months

What would I do as a barrister?

As a barrister, you’ll work with solicitors and their clients in order build a strong case which you will then defend in court. You’ll also use your knowledge of the law and previous cases to advise on the likely outcome of any legal proceedings.

There are many different areas of law depending on where your interests lie. You may choose common law (family and personal issues), commercial law, criminal law or environmental law for example.

The type of law you work in will dictate your day-to-day duties as a barrister, and also whether you work as a freelancer, or for a public or private organisation. However, here are some of the main responsibilities of the role to give you an idea:

• Taking instructions and information from clients / solicitors
• Applying your knowledge of the law to each individual case
• Researching case histories and legal specifics
• Building court cases and preparing questions and arguments for court
• Examining and cross-examining court witnesses
• Creating legally compliant and binding documents accurately
• Assisting with negotiations and mediation

What are the typical working hours for a barrister?

When you become a barrister, don’t expect to work standard hours. Court opening times will be fairly regular and within usual hours, but you’ll also need to work a lot of extra hours on the evenings and weekends researching and building cases – plus all the other duties you don’t have time for while you’re meeting with or representing clients.

The role of a barrister may be high-pressured and busy, but there’s a huge sense of job satisfaction that comes with the long hours, where you get to go home knowing that you’ve helped to bring closure, safety or satisfaction to those you’re representing.