How to Train as a Barrister

The practice of law dates back to the orators of Ancient Greece, who would plead cases on behalf of clients in a court of law. Today, law is a diverse field with many areas of practice. In the UK and Australia, lawyers are separated into two groups: barristers and solicitors. Most lawyers work as solicitors, drafting legal documents and doing legal research. Barristers, on the other hand, specialize in representing clients in court, often in a particular area of law. The path to practicing as a barrister is a difficult and competitive process.

Instructions

    • 1

      Score well on your A-level exams. In the UK and Australia, students earn law degrees at the undergraduate level as opposed to the professional level in the United States, so good scores in primary school are essential to getting into a good university.

    • 2

      Apply to university. In the UK, this is done via UCAS; in Australia, through the UAC. If you are applying from overseas, check the qualifications for individual universities.

    • 3

      Earn an undergraduate degree either in law or in another field. A 2ii minimum is required to be admitted to practice. If you study a field other than law, you will need to take a 12-month conversion course.

    • 4

      Join one of the Inns of Court and complete the Bar Professional Training Course, or BPTC. This is a 1-year vocational course required of all lawyers intending to practice as barristers. The course covers topics such as civil and criminal litigation, advocacy and evidence.

    • 5

      Complete a 1-year training period consisting of two 6-month terms known as pupillages. This is where you will gain practical experience under an experienced barrister.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved