The Bar is often harshly viewed as an elitist and enigmatic profession. Entrenched in steeped tradition and accessible only to those with a particular background or connections. While the journey to becoming a barrister is undeniably demanding, it is by no means im(possible). With academic excellence, focused preparation and genuine determination, the path is open to anyone who possesses the drive to advocate, handle heavily intellectual workloads and make a meaningful contribution to the Bar.
This guide sets out the route to the Bar in a clear and structured way. Whether you are in sixth form, completing a university degree or considering a change of career, this is your roadmap.
Understand the Role
Before embarking on the journey, it is essential to appreciate what the role of a barrister truly involves. You must know before you be. Barristers are incredibly skilled and specialist legal advocates. They appear in the courts, regularly drafting legal opinion and provide bespoke precise and informed advice on complex legal issues for their clients. The work can be intellectually rigorous, demanding independence, collaboration, attention to detail and a resilient nature. I will go as far to say depending on the area you choose to practice in it is not a role well suited to those seeking rigid routine. However, for individuals who thrive on intellectual challenge, variety and public service, the role can offer a uniquely rewarding career.
Academic Qualifications
The first formal step towards the Bar is academic.
Law Degree
If you read law at undergraduate level, you will cover the seven foundations of legal knowledge required by the Bar Standards Board. These are: 1. Criminal Law, 2. Contract Law, 3. Tort Law, 4. Public Law, 5. Land Law, 6. Equity and 7. Trusts and European Union Law.
Non-Law Degree
If your degree is in another subject, you will need to undertake a law conversion course known as the Graduate Diploma in Law. The course typically takes one year on a full-time basis or two years part time. It is crucial at this stage to secure strong academic results. A 2:1 degree is the standard minimum requirement, though some chambers may expect a First-class degree minimum. “Per aspera ad astra” translates to “Through hardships, to the stars”.
Joining an Inn of Court
There are four Inns of Court: Gray’s Inn, Lincoln’s Inn (the best, although I might be slightly bias), Inner Temple and Middle Temple. Every barrister must be a member of one of the Inns before commencing to the vocational stage of training. The Inns provide valuable support in the form of scholarships, mentoring, mooting and networking opportunities with practicing barristers and other legal professionals. Scholarships can make a significant difference on your CV and are highly competitive. It is important to research them carefully, apply early and prepare extensively.
You may join an Inn while studying at university or during your conversion course. I take the view on the earlier the better to fully immerse yourself with what the Bar is all about.
The Bar Course
Previously known as the Bar Professional Training Course, the Bar Course is now delivered under various titles depending on the provider. This is the vocational training stage, covering the core professional skills of advocacy, legal research and drafting, including professional ethics and litigation procedure.
During this stage you must complete the 10 qualifying sessions required by your Inn of Court. These sessions include educational events, professional development and opportunities to engage with experienced practitioners in both formal and informal settings. Yes, lots of dinners.
The course takes 9 months to a year if studied full time, or two years part time. Fees can be quite steep depending on the provider and location. Some institutions offer integrated master’s programmes which may be eligible for student finance. Do the research.
Pupillage
This is the final and most competitive stage of training.
Pupillage is a year of practical training undertaken in a set of chambers or another approved organisation such as the Government Legal Department. It is divided into two six-month periods. The first is non-practising involving close observation and supervised work. The second is practising, during which you accept instructions and appear in court fair frequently dependant of the areas of focus of the chambers you are with.
You will need a strong academic record, experience in advocacy, mooting or debating, and ideally a number of mini-pupillages to demonstrate your commitment and insight.
In truth, there is no definitive number of mini-pupillages one must complete. In my view, strategy is paramount. It is far more valuable to research the areas of law that genuinely interests you and then undertake around three to five mini-pupillages in those fields. The aim should not be to complete as many as possible, but rather to take a considered and strategic approach. A well-chosen range will provide meaningful insight into how practice varies across different areas of law, helping you to make informed decisions about your future at the Bar. Most applications are made through the Pupillage Gateway, although there are several chambers who recruit independently. The selection process usually includes a round of written applications, an interview or two and practical exercises in advocacy and legal analysis.
Tenancy
Following successful completion of pupillage, you may be offered tenancy. This is a permanent position in chambers. This a big checkpoint moment in your long career at the Bar as this marks your transition to full self-employment at the Bar. If you are not offered tenancy at the end of pupillage, it is still possible to apply to another chambers, return to the Gateway in the next round, or pursue legal work elsewhere in the meantime.
Final Thoughts
The road to the Bar is more than intellectual ability. Perhaps more importantly, it requires clarity and access to reliable information. Outdated assumptions, misinformation and a lingering sense of exclusivity deter many who would excel in this profession.
If you are serious about becoming a barrister, begin as early as you can. Seek mentors, take full advantage of what the Inns offer, and stay the course.
The Bar needs individuals of all backgrounds who bring sharp minds and fresh perspectives. The Bar needs you.
Malcolm Glover