Annual Salary
£12,000 to £250,000
Average UK salary in 2019 was £30,378
(source Office for National Statistics)
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Swap to Government or Politics or go back to all job sectors
Barristers give specialist legal advice, advising solicitors and representing people in court, at tribunals and in public inquiries.
Average UK salary in 2019 was £30,378
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: evenings / weekends;
Your day-to-day duties could include:
You could work in a court, at chambers or in an office.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
You can get into this job through:
You could:
You would then complete a period of professional training which includes:
To get into some universities you'll need to pass the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT).
You'll usually need:
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 can apply to become barristers by approval of the Bar Standards Board and sitting a Bar Transfer Test.
You'll need to:
You could join The Bar Council, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
You can find out more about becoming a barrister from The Bar Council and All About Law.
With experience you could find employment with firms supplying legal services in commerce, finance or industry. You could lead a team or move into general management.
You could also apply to become a Queen's Counsel (QC), a judge or an ombudsman.
Pathways to law course at Bristol University
Complete University Guide - routes into law
How to become a barrister from all about law
The Beginner’s Guide to a Career in Law looks at how lawyers recruit, what they look for in candidates, what candidates need to do when, and how they can maximise their chances, both immediately and as time goes by.
The Law Apprenticeships Guide focuses on the different types of law apprenticeship available, the key skills required, and the pros and cons of undertaking an apprenticeship or going to university, with case studies from those who have done it.
You'll need: