Qualifying as a Barrister

If you obtain a qualifying law degree, you will need to complete the Bar Vocational Course to qualify as a Barrister. This takes a full academic year and you can opt for a part-time course over two years if full time is not an option. This course is offered by a wide range of educational establishments and you can find them by clicking onto the Legal Education Directory and selecting the category: Training: Bar Vocational Courses.

If you obtain a non-law degree, you will need to complete the Common Professional Examination/Graduate Diploma in Law before going onto the BVC detailed above. This also takes a full academic year and can be done part time over two years. This course is offered by a wide range of educational establishments and you can find them by clicking onto the Legal Education Directory and selecting the category: Training: Conversion Courses.

You should have identified the set of Chambers do your pupillage in while still at University. There is considerable competition for these places and it pays to identify your chosen set early. Some sets of chambers offer summer placement/work experience to students before they even start their university degree, and if you know you want to be a barrister at this stage, this is an excellent way to improve your chances of securing a pupillage contract.  Click here to research the Barristers Chambers offering pupillage contracts. Once you have completed your first six months of pupillage under supervision you will receive a certificate confirming you can work without supervision during your second six months. By this time you should have cases and clients of your own and can make court appearances for clients personally. Although completion of this second six months does not guarantee the Chambers will take you on, a good performance makes the chances very favourable.