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Barrister
Advocate
Barristers give advice to solicitors and represent people in disagreements, investigations and in court.
Average salary (a year)
£21000
Starter
£200000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
40.0 to 48.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through a university course or by working towards this role.
University
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
the Bar Professional Training Course which takes one year, a year of practical training called a pupillage
To get into some universities you'll need to pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT).
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
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.
More Information
Professional And Industry Bodies
You could join the Bar Council for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming a barrister from:LawCAB, The Bar Council, All About Law, Law Careers.Net
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    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
    The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    Persuading skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Related Restrictions
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you could
meet with clients and take on cases, research the law and cases similar to the one you're working on, read witness statements and reports, offer legal advice and your opinion, negotiate settlements out of court, prepare legal arguments and court briefs, question witnesses and present cases to the judge and jury
Working environment
You could work in a court, at chambers or in an office.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience you could:lead a team, become a manager, apply to become a King',s Counsel (KC), become a judge, become an ombudsman
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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