Step 1:
Deciding whether you want to become a barrister
One of the problems in deciding whether to become a barrister is separating the myths from the reality. It can be difficult to navigate through the maze of traditions associated with banisters and their portrayal in the media.

Some facts & figures

At the moment about 50% of those who start the vocational stage of training get pupillages. About 60% of those who get pupillages go on to obtain tenancies.

In 1995-96 about 700 pupillages were obtained – at least half of them were funded.

The Bar is now committed to providing at least 450 pupillages funded to a minimum of £3,000 for six months and £6,ooo for twelve months. Many chambers offer more than this while some pupillages are unfunded.

There are 5,500 tenants in London and 2,500 across the rest of England and Wales. There are also some 2,500 barristersemployed by various public and private sector organisations.

Grants from local education authorities are rarely available to those undertaking the vocational stage of training.

However the four Inns of Court offer Scholarships to students.

The average cost of completing the vocational stage of training is estimated at over £10,000, if living expenses are taken into consideration.

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.

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