The skills and qualities that make a good barrister Research has shown that the following are the main abilities that contribute to success as a barrister. If you decide to apply for training, you will need to show evidence of these. More importantly, however, the following list will help you decide whether the Bar really is for you. Intellectual Ability The ability to deal with a wide range of people Presentation and advocacy skills The ability to digest large volumes of information in a short time and to handle the stress of long hours, tight deadlines and great responsibility Motivation		Making the decision....and giving the commitment The principal aims of the bar - that is all practising barristers - are to ensure that the interests of the public, individually and collectively,and the administration of justice are best served. To become a barrister requires a great deal of commitment - including financial commitment - as well as a wide range of abilities. For those who make it, the commitment continues. Being a barrister really is a way of life not just a career. It involves hard work, long hours and time pressures which can sometimes mean considerable sacrifices in terms of social and family life. However, many at the Bar would say that life as a barrister is worth the sacrifices. There are real opportunities for people with the right combination of skills and qualities, whatever their educational, social or racial background. Nowadays too, some financial assistance is available to offset the expenses of training.