Step 5: Practice and continuing education Pupillage provides a somewhat robust introduction to life as a barrister. However, the transition to tenancy - for those who make it - is still a difficult one to make. It is not simply a matter of getting your name on the door. Overnight you acquire a different status. It is now the real responsibility begins.

Obtaining a tenancy As mentioned on the previous pages, although pupillage is the principal means by which chambers take on junior tenants, even a glowingly successful pupillage is no guarantee of a tenancy. Competition is intense. At the moment only about 60% of those who make it to pupillage obtain tenancies. If you really are determind to make it as a barrister in private practice you may have to consider a third six. The important thing is not to lose heart. Nowadays the Bar is open to anyone with ability, regardless of their educational background, sex, sexual orientation, race or disability. The Bar Council has a rigorous Equality Code for the Bar and has equal opportunities officers to enforce it. Independent practice or the employed Bar? Qualifying as a barrister does not simply offer you a career in chambers There are many exciting and lucrative career opportunities in: the armed forces local government Government Legal Service European Fast Stream (Civil Service) Crown Prosecution Service Association of Magistrates' Courts a variety of organisations in commerce and industry In most of the above, there is a wide variety of work. Usually there are considerable opportunities for early responsibility and often more careers support than at the independent Bar. At the moment, there are 2,500 barristers employed by various public and private sector organisations.

Further Information: Life as a junior London or beyond