Barrister

General Description

Barristers give advice to solicitors and represent people in disagreements, investigations and in court.

Is your CV ready If so, and you are confident this is the role for you, make sure to apply asap.
Day-to-day tasks

• 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.

Working hours

36 to 38 hours per week

Skills you\’ll need

• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• 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
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to become one

You can get into this job through a university course or by working towards this role.

• You could start your career by working in a law firm or the law department of an organisation.
• 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. xwzovoh

Career path and progression

• With experience you could lead a team; become a manager; apply to become a Queen\’s Counsel (QC); become a judge; become an ombudsman

You can find out more about this career from:

• You could join the Bar Council for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.