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How to become a Barrister

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Barrister

Barrister

| Up to £60,000

The role of a Barrister

What does a Barrister do?

Are you a huge fan of TV legal dramas? Are you interested in pursuing law as a career? Then becoming a Barrister could be the perfect career choice for you.Barristers are typically hired by Solicitors to represent organisations or individuals in court. However, members of the public can also approach them directly.Barristers can be self-employed or work for the Crown Prosecution Service and the Government Legal Service, and they often specialise in a particular area, such as criminal law. As a Barrister, your job would be to plead each case on behalf of the client and their Solicitor.Day-to-day tasks will vary, but a Barrister will usually:

Receive instructions from new clients
Manage legal briefs on their behalf
Research past cases to find precedents that may prove useful
Prepare cases for court and advise clients on the likely outcome
Represent clients in court and question witnesses when necessary
Negotiate settlements

Is a career as a Barrister right for me?

If you hate public speaking and never win an argument, then you might not be cut out to be a Barrister.However, if you're confident, fascinated by the justice system and remain calm under pressure, then this may be the career for you.A good Barrister will be:

- Excellent at conveying complex subjects in a manner that's easy to understand
- Persuasive
- Able to deal with people from all walks of life
- Good at research
- Highly organised
- Punctual
- Self-motivated

What's it like to be a Barrister?

"My favourite aspect of being a Barrister is all the research. It's great to look into previous cases and spot a clue that could help me in my current brief - I feel like a detective. Going into court and being part of a justice system dating back hundreds of years is another big plus point. Although it can be tough and very hard work, it's good to know I'm making a real difference to my clients."

Get qualified as a Barrister

You'll need a degree to become a Barrister and, although it doesn't have to be law-related, you may have to do a law conversion course before starting professional training if this is the case.

Recommended Barrister courses

UK Legal, Criminal, Contract, and Human Rights Law Training Bundle for Barrister

Janets

Flash Sale! | Career Guided Programme | 30-in-1 Bundle | CPD Certified | 300 CPD Point | FREE PDF & Hardcopy Certificate
- Compare
- Online
- 260 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 300 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

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The demand for skilled barristers in the UK has grown significantly as legal issues become more complex, requiring specialized expertise. Barristers play a critical role in representing clients in court, providing legal advice, and drafting case-related documentation. With projec …
£149
UK Legal, Criminal, Contract, and Human Rights Law Training Bundle for Barrister

Janets

Flash Sale! | Career Guided Programme | 30-in-1 Bundle | CPD Certified | 300 CPD Point | FREE PDF & Hardcopy Certificate
- Compare
- Online
- 260 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 300 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

...this UK Legal, Criminal, Contract, and Human Rights Law Training Bundle for Barrister Programme, you can explore these career pathways: Junior Barrister (£35,000 - £50,000) Experienced Barrister (£50,000 - £100,000) Senior Legal Consultant (£55,000 - £85 …
£149