RESOURCES AND CAREER ADVICE
Here you will find information about pursuing a career at the Bar. If you have any further questions, please email the committee; we are completely happy to help. To download our Route to Qualification as a Barrister Guide, click here.
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The Lawyer Portal offers an informative free guide to becoming a Barrister including a step-by-step video from the Bar Council.
There are three stages that must be completed to qualify as a barrister:
I. Academic Stage
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A minimum of 2:1 in an undergraduate degree in Law;
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OR
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An undergraduate degree of any other discipline, followed by the completion of the one-year Common Professional Examination (CPE) course or an approved Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) course. For more information, please visit:
II. Vocational Stage
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The Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) can be completed in one year if full-time, or two years if part-time.
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Once completing the BPTC successfully, you will be Called to the Bar by your Inn - you are technically a Barrister but you cannot practice in England until you have completed the next stage.
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While you’re doing your BPTC, and before you can be Called, you will have to undergo 12 qualifying sessions with your Inn (also known as ‘dining’).
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For more information, please visit:
III. Pupillage
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The final stage of the route to qualification at the Bar, in which you will gain practical training under the supervision of an experienced barrister.
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Divided into two parts, the first six months are spent not practicing and during the second six, you may practice.
Alternatively, qualified solicitors/lawyers from other common law countries and legal practice are able to “transfer” to practice at the Bar.
For more information, visit: