Barrister Jobs

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What is a barrister?

In the UK, a barrister is a type of lawyer who specialises in court advocacy and are legal advisers that have the right to represent clients in court, meaning that their main role is to represent clients in court. Unlike solicitors, who generally handle legal matters outside of court, barristers are trained to present cases, cross-examine witnesses, and argue points of law before judges and juries. Barristers are expected to provide expert legal advice and make compelling arguments to support their clients' cases.

Barristers often work independently (barristers typically operate from chambers, which are shared offices with other barristers) and may be called upon by solicitors to provide specialised legal advice or to handle the courtroom aspects of a case. Some barristers find themselves working in government departments such as the crown prosecution service or may find themselves working in the legal departments of non-profit organisations or private companies. Most barristers will have a deep expertise in specific areas of law, such as criminal law, commercial law or family law, and are regarded as specialists in their field.

To become a barrister in the UK, one must complete rigorous training, after completing their law degree and then be called to the Bar, a process that involves both academic study and practical experience. Until 2007, barristers in the UK traditionally wore wigs and robes in court, a practice that reflects the historical roots of the legal profession. This is no longer necessary within court practice.

Barristers play a crucial role in the UK legal system, ensuring that clients receive skilled representation in legal disputes, whether in criminal, civil, or family courts. They are the professionals, the public, organisations and businesses can turn to when a case needs to be argued before a judge or jury, bringing both their advocacy skills and legal expertise to the forefront of the justice system.

What do barristers do?

Barristers play a crucial role in the UK legal system. Two of their key functions are representing clients in court and providing their clients and even solicitors with specialist legal advice within a specific area of law. A barrister’s responsibilities can be summarised into three core areas: courtroom advocacy, legal advisory work, and maintaining professional ethics.

As courtroom advocates, barristers must represent their clients during court trials. Barristers will be expected to use their expertise to build compelling arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge opposing arguments and positions. They prepare thoroughly for each case by conducting legal research, gathering evidence, and crafting strategies and arguments that they will then present to the judge and jury. Their ability to persuasively argue a case in court is a defining aspect of their profession.

Barristers will often need to interpret legal issues and assess the potential outcomes of a case and what strategies should be undertaken. Depending on the case, they may recommend which strategy will achieve the best possible results. Most barristers will have specialised knowledge in areas such as crime, family, commercial, or administrative law and will be able to interpret the potential outcomes of a case and direct their client or solicitors through the different cases. Their advice can significantly influence the decisions made by clients or solicitors and direction of the legal proceedings.

Barristers must maintain impartiality and avoid conflicts of interest to ensure fair representation of their clients.

What is a barrister’s salary in the UK?

A barrister’s salary will vary across the UK and will be influenced by other factors like area of law, organisation and experience level. Those undertaking the pupillage will earn between £18,000 to £21,000 depending on whether they are living in London or not.

Following this, the average annual salary for a barrister in London with 5 years’ experience, will range from £50,000 to £200,000. Those in commercial or financial law can earn over £90,000 with some earning over £240,000. Those working in areas such as criminal law or family law will usually earn less and could see figures ranging between £30,000 to 150,000.

Those over 10 years’ experience will usually find their salary in excess of excess of £60,000, with some earning as high as £500,000 a year. These figures will vary from company and practice area and other costs will usually need to be considered such as rent, fees and travel expenses.

Where can I find barrister jobs?

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