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Barrister

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Barrister Career Details

Barristers provide specialist legal advice to professionals such as solicitors and architects who consult them on behalf of their clients. They may represent individuals and organisations in court or at tribunal.

The main areas of law are:

Common Law - this includes criminal law and civil law (contract, tort, property, family, constitutional and administrative law). Barristers specialising in criminal law will spend much of their time in court, whereas civil law is mainly advisory work
Chancery Law - this is mainly advisory work regarding wills, trusts, estates, tax, and company law, with little court work involved.

Prior to a hearing, barristers spend time acquainting themselves with the facts of the case by reading statements and legal reports, and talking with the client if necessary. In court they present the case, cross-examine witnesses, sum up all relevant material and propose reasons why the court should support the case. Barristers have the right to appear in the higher courts.

The amount of time spent in court appearances, in advising, or in drafting written opinions depends on the area of law the barrister specialises in.

Most barristers work in private practice, although approximately 20 per cent work in industry, commerce, and central or local government. This is known as the 'Employed Bar'. The role of the barrister can vary greatly depending on their employer. The majority will work in specialist legal departments advising only the organisation they work for.

Working Environment

Working hours may be long, including evenings and weekends. A considerable amount of time may be spent travelling to the venue where a case or inquiry is being heard.

Most barristers work in offices called chambers, which they may share with other barristers. In London, most chambers are in the Inns of Court.

When in court barristers wear a wig and gown.

Barrister Related Skills

To be a barrister, you should:

be confident
have a good memory
be able to assimilate and analyse large amounts of information
be able to think logically, with attention to detail
be able to explain matters clearly, with good presentation skills
be able to avoid becoming emotionally involved in distressing cases
be able to cope when working under pressure
be discreet - information needs to be kept confidential.

Barrister Career Opportunities

At each stage of training, there are more applicants than places. Once qualified, it can be difficult to secure tenancy in chambers.

Many barristers are based in London, while others practise in the towns on the administrative circuits - Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Chester, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle.

Barristers are mostly self-employed. However, some work for commercial employers, or in local or central government.

After between ten and fifteen years' experience, barristers may apply 'to take silk' or become a Queen's Counsel, which is necessary in order to become a Court of Session judge or High Court judge.

Barristers may work as legal advisers in magistrates' courts. Some move into senior positions in industry and commerce.

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Barrister related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a Barrister? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Barrister? Take a look at Training Barrister courses, Postgraduate Barrister courses, Undergraduate Barrister courses, Adult learning Barrister courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.

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