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Barrister

Also called Advocate.

Barristers represent clients and their solicitors in court, at tribunals and in legal disputes. They also give expert legal advice on particular points of law.

Potential salary
£24,000 starter to £250,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
40 to 48 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends flexibly.
Career area
Law and public service
Where they might work
You could work in a court, at chambers or in an office. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
A typical task
meet with solicitors and their clients to discuss cases
Subjects that may help
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Typical route
You could do a degree in law to become a barrister. You also have the option to do a degree in any subject, then complete a Graduate Diploma in Law conversion course afterwards.
Interest area used here
Starting things and persuading

Career actions

What you might do

  • meet with solicitors and their clients to discuss cases
  • research the law and cases similar to the one you're working on
  • read witness statements and reports
  • offer legal advice and expert opinion
  • represent clients in court and other legal settings
  • negotiate dispute settlements out of court
More tasks (2)
  • prepare cases, legal arguments and questioning strategies
  • cross-examine witnesses and present cases to the judge and jury

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
More skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • persuading skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Routes into this career

University route

  • You could do a degree in law to become a barrister. You also have the option to do a degree in any subject, then complete a Graduate Diploma in Law conversion course afterwards.
  • Once you've graduated, you need to take further training to complete: the Bar training course which takes one year, if done full time; a year of practical training called a pupillage.
  • You have to apply to join one of the four Inns of Court in order to do your training. Each Inn has its own entry requirements and application process.
  • Applications must be made at least 12 weeks before starting the Bar training course.
  • Once you have successfully completed your training, you'll be called to the Bar to continue your passage to becoming a barrister.
  • To get into some universities you'll need to pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT).

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Law

    Common route. A common academic start. Pupillage is a later, competitive stage. The degree is not the professional qualification.

  • Philosophy

    Related, but not enough on its own. Barrister training is a separate professional route.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

  • 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. You would then do further training to become a barrister.
  • 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.
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
Career progression
  • With experience, you could: work in the law department of an organisation; manage a team of legal staff; apply to become a King's Counsel (KC); become a judge.
  • Self employment is common, so career prospects will depend on success in cases, your skills and how you establish your reputation.
  • You could specialise in a particular area of law, for instance: criminal law; environmental law; human rights; commercial and contract law.

Registration and requirements

pass background checks

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

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

What you could do next