What makes a successful barrister

The Bar tends to attract people who are motivated and ambitious, and want a career where they are independent and in charge of their own career progression. Barristers in England and Wales are specialists in advocacy and represent individuals or organisations in court. A barrister is a type of lawyer in common law jurisdictions.

Barristers mostly specialise in courtroom advocacy and litigation. Their tasks include taking cases in superior courts and tribunals, drafting legal pleadings, researching the philosophy, hypothesis and history of law, and giving expert legal opinions. Difference Between Barrister And Solicitor A barrister owes equal duties to the court and to his or her client. This means, for example, that a barrister cannot knowingly tell a lie to the court on behalf of his or her client.

A barrister cannot therefore make a statement to you that they know to be false. When not in court they are busy preparing their next trial, having conferences with clients and advising on the law. A criminal barrister builds a reputation from conducting cases.

The salaries available to barristers range greatly according to the type of work, and level of experience. Becoming a fully-fledged barrister takes five years — including three years for your law degree, one year for a Bar course and a one-year pupillage in chambers. Solicitors have a more stable income but the top barristers get paid more than most top solicitors; although the average solicitor may be paid more.

Put very simply, barristers tend to practise as advocates representing clients in court, whereas solicitors tend to perform the majority of their legal work in a law firm or office setting. The Judicial Appointments Commission is working hard to encourage judicial applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. So to become a judge you must first have practised law — as a solicitor, barrister or legal executive — for a good few years.

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Student Employability Programme Want a successful career in law? Have you got what it takes to succeed as a barrister? A talent for advocacy. How do you perform in university moots and debates?

Do you enjoy performing in public? Are you eloquent and persuasive? You may suffer from nerves beforehand, but once you're on your feet, are you able to focus? If you don't feel confident, you need to be able to fake it. The ability to think on your feet. You'll have to respond quickly and articulately when you're on the spot in court. Willingness to work both on your own and in a team. The vast majority of barristers are self-employed, so strong self-motivation is crucial.

Are you comfortable with initial financial insecurity? Most barristers are self-employed and responsible for their own finances, whereas solicitors are employed by their firms and receive a regular wage.

Particularly in the early years, a newly qualified barrister may find that the flow of income is unpredictable. There are also a number of skills that are essential for both barristers and solicitors. A career at the Bar will call for some late nights and early mornings.

Can you remain focused and articulate even when short on sleep? Excellent interpersonal and social skills.