Barrister

Barristers are specialist legal professionals who represent clients in court and provide expert legal opinions. While solicitors often handle day-to-day legal work, barristers are the advocates you see arguing cases before a judge or jury. They are usually self-employed and work in chambers with other barristers, though some work for organisations such as the Crown Prosecution Service or large companies.

Their work involves:

Advising clients and solicitors on the strengths and weaknesses of a case.

Preparing legal arguments and researching relevant law.

Presenting evidence and questioning witnesses in court.

Negotiating settlements before cases go to trial.

Barristers may specialise in areas such as criminal law, family law, commercial law, or human rights.

Earnings vary widely. During the one-year pupillage (training in a set of chambers), you can expect to earn at least the minimum pupillage award, currently just over £20,000 outside London and approximately £25,000 in London. Once qualified, income depends on your area of law, experience, and whether you are self-employed or employed. Newly qualified barristers may earn between £25,000 and £50,000. Experienced barristers, especially in commercial or corporate law, can earn six figures.

At school, subjects that build strong communication, research and critical thinking skills are useful. Good choices include:

English – for written and verbal skills.

History – for analytical thinking and essay writing.

Politics – for understanding how laws are made and applied.

Languages – helpful for precision and expression.

The route to becoming a barrister in England and Wales involves several key steps:

Complete a qualifying law degree, or any other degree plus the graduate diploma in law (GDL).

Take the Bar training course, which teaches advocacy, drafting and professional ethics (1-2 years duration).

Pupillage – A year of practical training under an experienced barrister. The first six months are mainly shadowing, the second six involve handling your own cases.

Tenancy – After pupillage, you apply for a place in chambers or permanent employment with a business or organisation.

It’s a highly competitive career that demands resilience, confidence, and excellent communication skills. If you’re passionate about justice and persuasive in argument, it can be both challenging and rewarding.

To research local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as a barrister, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.

Details of relevant degree courses can be found on the UCAS website.

The Bar Council, Becoming a Barrister

Bar Standards Board, Becoming a Barrister

Chambers Student, How Do You Become a Barrister?

National Careers Service, Barrister

Prospects, Barrister