Barristers are specialist legal advisers and courtroom advocates in the UK. They play a key role in representing individuals, organisations, and government bodies in legal cases. Barristers provide expert legal opinions, draft legal arguments, and stand before judges in courts to present cases. Most barristers are self-employed and work in chambers, although some are employed by organisations. The job requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and a deep understanding of the law. Becoming a barrister is highly competitive, and it involves rigorous academic and practical training. Barristers often specialise in areas such as criminal law, family law, or commercial law.
Newly qualified barristers can expect to earn between £40,000 and £70,000, while experienced barristers can earn over £100,000 per year.
There are around 17,000 practising barristers in England and Wales as of 2023.
It typically takes at least 5 years to qualify as a barrister, including a law degree, the Bar Course, and a one-year pupillage.
A barrister who specialises in representing clients in criminal cases, both for the defence and the prosecution, in courts.
A barrister who focuses on family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoption, representing clients in family courts.
A barrister who deals with business and commercial disputes, advising clients and representing them in high-value legal cases.
Obtain a law degree (LLB) or a non-law degree followed by a conversion course such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
A qualifying law degree (LLB) typically takes three years to complete. If your degree is not in law, you will need to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), which is a one-year intensive course. These qualifications provide the foundational legal knowledge required for a career at the Bar.
Apply for and join one of the four Inns of Court in England and Wales: Lincoln's Inn, Inner Temple, Middle Temple or Gray's Inn.
Membership of an Inn of Court is required before you can begin the vocational component of barrister training. The Inns provide educational support, scholarships, and opportunities to network with practising barristers and judges. You should apply during your final year of your law degree or during your GDL.
Complete the Bar Course, also known as the Bar Training Course (BTC), Bar Practice Course (BPC), or Bar Vocational Studies (BVS).
The Bar Course is a postgraduate course that covers advocacy, ethics, and practical legal skills. Courses are available at various providers across England and Wales, usually lasting one year full-time or two years part-time. You must pass this stage to be eligible for pupillage.
Pass the BCAT, an entry requirement for the Bar Course, which assesses critical thinking and reasoning.
The BCAT is a computer-based test that must be passed before enrolling on the Bar Course. It is designed to ensure candidates have the aptitude for the demands of barrister training. You can take the test at approved test centres.
Attend a specified number of qualifying sessions organised by your Inn of Court.
Qualifying sessions are educational and networking events, such as lectures, advocacy training, dinners, and moots. You need to complete these before you can be called to the Bar and begin your pupillage.
Apply for a one-year pupillage with a set of chambers or other approved organisation.
Pupillage is a period of practical training under the supervision of an experienced barrister. Applications are highly competitive and are made through the Pupillage Gateway or directly to chambers. Start researching and preparing your applications well in advance.
Undertake the 12-month pupillage, split into two six-month periods: non-practising and practising.
During the first six months, you will observe and assist your pupil supervisor, learning about case preparation and court procedure. In the second six months, you will take on your own cases under supervision. Successful completion is required to qualify fully as a barrister.
Secure a permanent position (tenancy) in chambers or find another form of employment as a barrister.
After pupillage, many barristers apply for tenancy, which is a permanent place in chambers. Others may work as employed barristers in organisations such as government, regulators, or companies. Building a successful practice requires perseverance and networking.
Solicitors provide legal advice, draft documents, and may represent clients in lower courts. They often work directly with clients and can refer cases to barristers for specialist advocacy.
Legal executives are qualified lawyers who specialise in a specific area of law and carry out similar work to solicitors, often focusing on tasks such as legal research and preparing legal documents.
Judges preside over court proceedings, making decisions and ensuring justice is served. Many judges are former barristers or solicitors with significant legal experience.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Barrister. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
You can get into this job through a university course or by working towards this role.
You could do a degree in law to become a barrister. You also have the option to do a degree in any subject and complete a Graduate Diploma in Law afterwards.
Once you've graduated, you need to complete:
To get into some universities you'll need to pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT).
You'll usually need:
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.
If you're a solicitor, you can apply to become a barrister if you get approval from the Bar Standards Board and sit a Bar Transfer Test.
You could join the Bar Council for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
You can find out more about becoming a barrister from:
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