What is life like as a barrister?

Becoming a barrister is a long and arduous process, and the reality is that the majority of those who set out to become one will not be able to attain Pupillage. That said, approaching the Bar is a far from fruitless exercise, so long as you are dedicated and show it! If you’re thinking about a career at the Bar, you might find the following information useful.

A barrister is a practitioner of law, usually associated with advocacy: standing up in court and representing lay clients. In fact, depending on the area of her expertise, a barrister’s actual time in court on a weekly basis will vary. In any event, barristers can expect to spend as much time doing paperwork as advocating!

A barrister is typically self-employed (although the Employed Bar is flourishing in areas as varied as public services and commercial banking), and operates from offices hired from his or her Chambers, with the assistance of their clerking staff. This independence comes at the cost of job security, of course, but is still a major part of the barrister’s role in the legal system: independent, expert legal advice from a professional of integrity and passion.

 

The BPTC seems expensive; how on earth do I fund it?

There are a variety of funding options which are detailed on our 'Funding your life at the Bar' page. 

 

How much is Bar Society Membership?

Membership is £5 for the year, £10 for the full duration of your degree.

 

What do I get for my Membership fee?
You get full access to our careers events and service. You will also be able to go on Trips exclusive to the Bar Society at a hugely subsidised rate, e.g. a trip to the Inns of Court where both dinner and travel will be subsidised to a reasonable rate.

 

I am not a Law Student, can I still be a Member?
It is possible to qualify as a barrister either by doing a Qualifying Law Degree or a law conservation course (the Graduate Diploma in Law). For this reason, the Bar Society is open to both law and non-law students. All our activities aim to include non-law students.

 

I am looking for a Mini Pupillage, do you have further information?
We run an annual workshop on Mini Pupillages. If you have missed this you can always email the committee for further information.

 

Where can I find deadline dates for the BPTC, Scholarships etc...?
All relevant times and dates, including links to application forms, can be found on The Bar Council website.

 

You've been using a lot of strange terms - pupillage, mooting etc... what on earth do they mean?
We have created a glossary of terms to help you out. Have a look here.

 

What do you offer after graduation?
We have an Alumni Association for those who wish to join. The Association has a biannual newsletter, meets for an Annual meal and Drinks Evening. It is a great chance to keep in contact with old friends and also network with those who have just entered the profession. Phil Godfrey of Ropewalk Chambers currently heads the Alumni Association.

 

How do you interact with the Law School?
Ian Bainbridge is always on hand to help the society when we need it. Sangeeta Shah is our official Bar Liaison Officer between us, the Bar Council and the Inns of Court. We are working this year to improve relations with the Law School and gain more professional support.

We are also in regular contact with Peter Kay from the Careers Service to improve the quality of events offered by the Centre for Career Development.

 

I would like professional advice, who do I go to?
Contact the Centre for Career Development and book a meeting with Peter Kay.

 

Where else can I look for further information?
See our Useful Links page.

 

I have more questions - who should I ask?
You may contact any of the committee with relevant questions. If you have specific questions about events please email our General Delilah Chadwick-Smith (llydtc@nottingham.ac.uk). For Careers Advice please email our President Stephanie Ezeadum (llyse2@nottingham.ac.uk) or Vice-President Noxy Sibanda (llyns9@nottingham.ac.uk).