Barrister
Performs core professional/technical/service tasks characteristic of barrister, within the relevant organizational and regulatory context.
06 · Qualifications & training you need
A degree, preferably in law, is essential. Postgraduate conversion courses are available for non-law graduates.
Where people train for this
03 · Education pathway
Recognized legal education and jurisdiction-specific professional admission where regulated.
04 · Lifestyle
Courts operate during regular office hours, but evening and weekend work is often necessary in order to prepare cases.
04 · Location
Preparatory work takes place in an office or “chambers” . Barristers need to visit clients and solicitors, and will appear in court.
21 · The realities
The hours can be long and the work intellectually demanding, requiring quick understanding of details. Financial rewards can be high.
12 · How the pathway typically runs
Most barristers begin their career as a junior within a practice, or “chambers” , located close to law courts. They can choose to remain self-employed or take up salaried jobs, providing specialist advisory services to the government, the armed forces, or charities.
07 · Graduate route
You will need a degree to practise as a barrister. Most barristers have a degree in law, but conversion courses are available for graduates of other subjects. This is followed by a one-year professional training course and a “pupillage” year – working under an experienced barrister.