Barristers are specialist legal professionals who represent clients in courts and tribunals across the UK. They provide expert legal opinions, draft legal documents, and are skilled advocates who argue cases before judges and juries. Most barristers are self-employed and work in chambers, although some are employed by organisations. Their work often involves complex legal research, preparing cases, and giving advice to solicitors and clients. To become a barrister, you need to complete a qualifying law degree or a conversion course, pass the Bar course, and undertake a year of practical training known as pupillage. Barristers must also be admitted to one of the four Inns of Court.
Newly qualified barristers in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £50,000 per year, while experienced barristers can earn over £100,000.
There are around 17,000 practising barristers in England and Wales.
It usually takes a minimum of 5 years to qualify as a barrister, including a law degree, Bar course, and pupillage.
A legal professional who specialises in representing clients in criminal cases, both in prosecution and defence, often appearing in Crown Court.
A barrister who focuses on family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoption, representing clients in family courts.
A legal expert who deals with complex business disputes, contract issues, and company law cases, usually representing clients in the High Court or arbitration.
You will need at least five GCSEs including English, followed by strong A Level results, ideally including subjects that develop analytical and communication skills.
Most aspiring barristers choose A Levels such as English, History, or Law to build relevant skills. High grades are important as entry to university law courses is very competitive. Work hard on your studies and consider taking part in debating or public speaking to strengthen your application.
Study for a law degree (LLB) at university, or, if you study another subject, complete a law conversion course (GDL).
A qualifying law degree normally takes three years full time. If you studied a different subject, you will need to complete a one year Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). Research universities carefully and check their reputation for law. Try to get involved in law societies and take opportunities for work experience.
You must pass the Bar Course (formerly known as the Bar Professional Training Course, BPTC) at an approved provider.
This postgraduate course focuses on advocacy, legal research, and courtroom skills. Admission is competitive and you will need to join one of the Inns of Court before starting. During this time, you will also complete the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT). Some scholarships are available through the Inns of Court.
Become a member of one of the four Inns of Court, which support, train, and regulate barristers.
The four Inns of Court are Gray's Inn, Lincoln's Inn, Inner Temple, and Middle Temple. Membership gives you access to training, networking, and scholarships. You must attend a number of qualifying sessions (dinners, lectures or events) before you can be called to the Bar.
Pupillage is a one year practical training period under the supervision of an experienced barrister.
Pupillage is divided into two six month periods: non-practising and practising. During this time, you will observe and assist your supervisor, and then handle your own cases. Competition for pupillage is very strong, so apply early and prepare thoroughly for interviews.
After completing pupillage, you can apply for a permanent place (tenancy) in chambers or seek employed positions.
Tenancy gives you the right to practise independently as a barrister in a set of chambers. Some barristers work for organisations such as government departments, companies, or charities. Building a reputation and network is key to success in this field.
Solicitors provide legal advice, prepare documents, and may represent clients in lower courts or instruct barristers for higher court cases.
Legal executives specialise in a particular area of law, carrying out similar work to solicitors but with a different qualification route.
Judges preside over court proceedings, making decisions based on the law and evidence presented by barristers and solicitors.
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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