Barrister
Law and legal

How to become a barrister

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• working towards this role

University

You could:

• do a law degree
• do a non-law degree followed by the Graduate Diploma in Law

You would then complete a period of professional training which includes:

• the one-year Bar Professional Training Course
• a follow-on year of practical training, called a pupillage

To get into some universities you'll need to pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT).

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Work

You could start your career by working in a law firm or the law department of an organisation. With support from your employer, you could complete a qualification like the Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. Solicitors can apply to become barristers by approval of the Bar Standards Board and sitting a Bar Transfer Test.

More info

Professional and industry bodies You could join The Bar Council, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to read English
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restriction & Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass background checks

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day duties could include:

• having meetings with clients and taking on cases (briefs)
• researching the law relating to previous similar cases
• reading witness statements and reports
• offering advice and providing written legal opinion
• negotiating settlements out of court
• preparing legal arguments and getting briefs ready for court
• cross-examining witnesses and presenting the case to the judge and jury
• summing up the case

Working environment

You could work in a court, at chambers or in an office. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience you could find employment with firms supplying legal services in commerce, finance or industry. You could lead a team or move into general management. You could also apply to become a Queen's Counsel (QC), a judge or an ombudsman.