Placement Overview

Self-employed Junior Barrister specialising in Criminal and Immigration law. This placement works mainly in prosecution in Magistrate and Crown courts representing amongst others, asylum seekers and people seeking entry into this country.

Generic Job Description for a Barrister

Barristers give advice about legal cases to their professional clients and represent clients in court.

Barristers can specialise in criminal practice and undertake criminal prosecution or defence in all courts. Other areas of practice may be in civil matters related to family or common law, or in commercial disputes.

Most Barrister work on a self employed basis, some are employed to work in public and private organisations.

A Barristers work involves understanding and interpreting the law, preparing cases for court, presenting arguments in court and advising on legal matters.

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills
• Intelligence
• Confidence
• Logical thinking
• Good presentation skills
• Discretion
• The ability to emotionally detach from cases   

Pay:

• Self employed Barrister with up to five years experience - £15,000 - £45,000
• Senior Barristers with more than ten years experience - £70,000 - £120,000
• Top Barristers can earn £500,000 a year or more

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Most court hearings are within normal working hours
• Barristers may work long and unsocial hours preparing for a case

Environment:

• Based in offices called Chambers
• Usually based in towns and cities near court buildings

Qualifications:

• A good degree in Law or other traditional subject is essential
• A Bar Vocational Course (BVC) must be completed, over one year full time or two years part time 

Training:

• Relevant work experience is desirable
• Training is competitive and can be expensive

Opportunities:

• There are more than 11,500 self-employed barristers practising in England and Wales
• Around 3000 barristers work as salaried employees for large organisations
• Most Barrister positions are based in London or other large cities 

Links:

www.lcan.org.uk - The Law Careers Advice Network

www.barcouncil.org.uk - The Bar Council

www.cps.gov.uk - Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)