Legal profession: Barrister By Becky Barker

The Day-to-day work of a Barrister Barristers are usually self-employed working in chambers.  They share administrative costs and employ a clerk who books in cases and negotiates fees on their behalf.  A tenancy in chambers is no longer essential however it is still seen as the way to allow a barrister to build a successful practice.                                                                                                                        The majority of barristers concentrate on advocacy, having full rights of audience in all courts in England and Wales.  A small percentage of barristers rarely appear in court as an advocate and specialise in areas such as tax or company law.  All barristers will spend some of their time writing opinions on cases, giving advice and drafting documents for use in court.

More Day-to-day Work of a Barrister Barristers normally work on what is known as the cab rank rule, under this rule they cannot turn down a case if it is on an area of law they normally deal with and they are free to take the case on.  However, where clients approach the barrister direct the cab rank rule doesn't apply.

The Training routes of a Barrister Law Graduate: A-levels Degree in Law Bar vocational course First 6 months pupillage Second 6 months pupillage Tenancy Non-Law Graduate: A-levels Degree in any subject Conversion course (CPE, GDL) Bar vocational course First 6months pupilage Second 6 months pupillage tenancy   Law graduate    Non-Law graduate A-Levels Degree in Law Degree in any subject Bar Vocational Course Conversion Course (CPE, GDL) First Six Months Pupillage Second Six Months Pupillage Tenancy   Law graduate    Non-Law graduate A-Levels Degree in Law Degree in any subject Bar Vocational Course Conversion Course (CPE, GDL) First Six Months Pupillage Second Six Months Pupillage Tenancy Law graduate    Non-Law graduate A-Levels Degree in Law Degree in any subject Bar Vocational Course Conversion Course (CPE, GDL) First Six Months Pupillage Second Six Months Pupillage Tenancy

Making complaints made against a Barrister Barristers can be sued for negligent work They can also be sued for negligent advocacy work in court Complaints made against barristers are handled by the Bar Standards Board The complaints process is overseen by an independent Lay Complaints Commissioner