{"id":1593,"date":"2024-01-14T17:00:40","date_gmt":"2024-01-14T17:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/klsemployability\/?page_id=1593"},"modified":"2025-08-08T13:55:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T12:55:46","slug":"becoming-a-barrister","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/how-to-2\/becoming-a-barrister\/","title":{"rendered":"Become a barrister"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><strong>How to become a barrister<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This brochure produced by the Bar Council tells you everything you need to know: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcouncil.org.uk\/static\/8969ad3e-7c7b-4f60-95f4354d09b97a0e\/Becoming-a-Barrister-Online-Brochure-2024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.barcouncil.org.uk\/static\/8969ad3e-7c7b-4f60-95f4354d09b97a0e\/Becoming-a-Barrister-Online-Brochure-2024.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Essentially, the process to become a barrister is relatively straightforward and it involves 3 stages:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Academic Componen<\/strong>t &#8211; getting a law degree or another degree + the conversion course (usually called the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL))<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vocational Component &#8211; the bar course.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Work Based Component<\/strong> &#8211; Pupillage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><strong>Is it hard to become a barrister?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Becoming a barrister is hard work and very costly.\u00a0 Barristers numbers are about a 10th of solicitors and we have all heard about how hard it is to get Pupillage even once you completed your Bar course.\u00a0 But what are the true facts?\u00a0 As a starting point you should read this article on Chambers Student: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.chambersstudent.co.uk\/the-bar\/a-career-at-the-bar\/a-preliminary-warning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">http:\/\/www.chambersstudent.co.uk\/the-bar\/a-career-at-the-bar\/a-preliminary-warning <\/a>\u00a0This is a long read with lots of warnings about chances of success. \u00a0 Some really useful and interesting things to think about including the ration of applications : pupillages.\u00a0 \u00a0I don&#8217;t include this article with the intention of deterring you from the Bar &#8211; I&#8217;ve included it so that you are prepared!\u00a0 \u00a0If you really want this, go for it but make sure that you heed the warnings and you do everything that you can to enhance your profile and your chances of success.\u00a0 One of the most important qualities you WILL need is resilience.\u00a0 Make sure you can handle rejection but you will have to deal with this.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #808080\">Suggested Resources<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>The Bar Council&#8217;s brochure on Becoming a Barrister (download from this page\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/Becoming a Barrister\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> https:\/\/www.barcouncil.org.uk\/becoming-a-barrister.html )<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Everything you need to know about becoming a barrister from the Bar Standards Board:<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barstandardsboard.org.uk\/training-qualification\/becoming-a-barrister.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.barstandardsboard.org.uk\/training-qualification\/becoming-a-barrister.html<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong style=\"color: #3366ff;font-family: inherit;font-size: 18px\">Middle Temple Pupillage Podcast<\/strong><span style=\"color: #3366ff;font-family: inherit;font-size: 18px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/files\/2019\/11\/pupillage-podcast.png\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-3051\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-3051 alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/files\/2019\/11\/pupillage-podcast-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"146\" height=\"146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/files\/2019\/11\/pupillage-podcast-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/files\/2019\/11\/pupillage-podcast-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/files\/2019\/11\/pupillage-podcast.png 411w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 146px) 100vw, 146px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Although this podcast dates back to 2019 the content of the discussions remain relevant cover every aspect of the pupillage process, from creating your CV and joining an Inn, to acquiring advocacy experience and doing pro bono work; from how to approach mini-pupillages, to applications and interviews.<\/p>\n<p>Find the list of episodes and links to where to listern on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.middletemple.org.uk\/members\/inn-initiatives\/event-recordings\/pupillage-podcast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.middletemple.org.uk\/members\/inn-initiatives\/event-recordings\/pupillage-podcast\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Target Jobs National Pupillage Fair\u00a0 &#8211;\u00a0 <\/strong>Every autumn the above takes place in London. \u00a0 If you want to be a barrister it is worth attending. \u00a0 However, if you miss out, or you simply want to consider whether to attend next year you can watch videos of the presentations given on You-Tube.\u00a0 The 2024 Fair videos are here &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EzUWROruFR4&amp;list=PLNpSsiiKgYVe483NmxQ9lXqgaEF1Q9uf-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EzUWROruFR4&amp;list=PLNpSsiiKgYVe483NmxQ9lXqgaEF1Q9uf-\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><strong>Bar Courses\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Find a Bar Courses here &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawcareers.net\/Explore\/Features\/16072024-Bar-courses-a-students-guide-to-barrister-training-202425\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.lawcareers.net\/Explore\/Features\/16072024-Bar-courses-a-students-guide-to-barrister-training-202425\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><strong>(BCAT &#8211; <\/strong><\/span>The<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelawyerportal.com\/barrister\/bar-training-guide\/bcat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\/<\/a><strong>Bar Course Aptitude Test<\/strong> is no longer required)<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"showHideTitle activeShowHideTitle open\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><strong>The Inns of Court<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"showHideContent hideContent\">\n<p>There are four Inns of Court which provide support for barristers and students through a range of educational and social activities and, importantly scholarships for the vocational training.\u00a0 Kent students have great success in gaining scholarships.<br \/>\nBefore you start your vocational training you <strong>must join one of the Inns 13 weeks before the start of your Bar course<\/strong>.\u00a0 \u00a0For September Bar courses the relevant date is 31st May.\u00a0 \u00a0 The Inns are responsible for &#8220;Calling&#8221; barristers to the Bar. You can join as a student member while you are still at University.<\/p>\n<ul type=\"square\">\n<li><strong>Gray&#8217;s Inn<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.graysinn.org.uk\/\">www.graysinn.org.uk<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Inner Temple<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.innertemple.org.uk\/\">www.innertemple.org.uk<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Lincoln&#8217;s Inn<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.lincolnsinn.org.uk\/\">www.lincolnsinn.org.uk<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Middle Temple<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.middletemple.org.uk\/\">www.middletemple.org.uk<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><strong>Commercial Awareness<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Don\u2019t be fooled into thinking that you don\u2019t need to be commercially aware \u2013 you do! 80% of barristers are self-employed so you need to know about business! Equally, if you are interested in the Chancery Bar then you also need to know about other peoples\u2019 businesses!\u00a0 Whichever area of law you think you want to go into &#8211; you should be up to date with the news and issues that affect it.\u00a0 Despite being called &#8220;commercial awareness&#8221; is not necessarily &#8216;commercial&#8217; in nature!\u00a0 Remember PESTLE &#8211; what are the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental influences on your areas of legal interest?\u00a0 \u00a0You will find lots of resources for building commercial awareness on <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/how-to\/becoming-a-solicitor\/commercial-awareness\/\">https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/how-to\/becoming-a-solicitor\/commercial-awareness\/<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/klsemployability\/how-to\/becoming-a-solicitor\/commercial-awareness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00a0<\/a>but the following bar-specific resources will also help.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>4 New Square podcasts &#8211; \u2018Analysis: Commercial Dispute Resolution and Life at the Bar\u2019.<\/strong> cover recent developments in commercial law and life at the Bar. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android and Google Podcasts (just type 4 New Square or the podcast name into your podcast app) or you can listen via their website here &#8211;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.4newsquare.com\/podcasts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> https:\/\/www.4newsquare.com\/podcasts\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Criminal Bar Quarterly<\/strong> is a professional journal for criminal barristers.\u00a0 \u00a0If you&#8217;re interested in this practice area you may find some of the articles interesting.\u00a0 \u00a0You can download it for free on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.criminalbar.com\/resources\/criminal-bar-quarterly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.criminalbar.com\/resources\/criminal-bar-quarterly\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Middle Temple Podcas<\/strong>t &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.middletemple.org.uk\/members\/inn-initiatives\/event-recordings\/pupillage-podcast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.middletemple.org.uk\/members\/inn-initiatives\/event-recordings\/pupillage-podcast\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>The Law Schow<\/strong> &#8211; a BBC podcast <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/programmes\/b006tgy1\/episodes\/downloads\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/programmes\/b006tgy1\/episodes\/downloads\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>The Hearing<\/strong> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/podfollow.com\/the-hearing-a-legal-podcast\/view\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/podfollow.com\/the-hearing-a-legal-podcast\/view\u00a0 <\/a>Listen to insightful discussions with lawyers, legal experts, and other interesting people connected to the legal industry. They delve into anything and everything \u2013 trailblazers in the law, the latest insights on legal innovation and trends, and how the profession is evolving. With hosts based in the UK and the US, they cover issues around the globe.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Law Pod UK<\/strong> &#8211; from the creators of the <a href=\"https:\/\/ukhumanrightsblog.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">UK Human Rights blog<\/a>\u00a0and produced by barristers of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.1cor.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">One Crown Office Row<\/a>. Discusses all aspects of UK civil and public law with legal professionals, professors and specialists.<br \/>\nSubjects include \u2018Will AI outwit our laws?\u2019, \u2018A patient\u2019s right to experimental medical treatment\u2019 and it recently covered Brexit two years on. Law Pod UK is relevant and informative listening for everyone studying law. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1cor.com\/london\/category\/podcast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.1cor.com\/london\/category\/podcast\/\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li>more ideas here &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.ac.uk\/resources\/blog\/top-legal-podcasts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.law.ac.uk\/resources\/blog\/top-legal-podcasts\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff\">Interviews<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Unlike the solicitors profession most barristers \/ chambers will not call you for an interview for mini-pupillages (unless it is an assessed one &#8211; see below).\u00a0 However, if you do get called for an interview see the advice on Chambers Student about pupillage interviews &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chambersstudent.co.uk\/the-bar\/a-career-at-the-bar\/pupillage-applications-and-interviews\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.chambersstudent.co.uk\/the-bar\/a-career-at-the-bar\/pupillage-applications-and-interviews <\/a><\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s some great advice on this link about interviews and advocacy exercises.\u00a0 Don&#8217;t be put off by the fact that this is the legal aid lawyers website &#8211; the advice is relevant to all.\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/younglegalaidlawyers.org\/pupillageapps\">http:\/\/younglegalaidlawyers.org\/pupillageapps\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Interviews for the Inns of Court Scholarships:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Darren Weir, Per Lalang (lecturers &amp; former barristers) and Jayne Instone, Careers Adviser in Careers &amp; Employability Service all have good knowledge of the structure of these interviews.\u00a0 \u00a0Speak with them for insight and book a mock interview with Jayne (you can do this on <a href=\"https:\/\/careers.kent.ac.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/careers.kent.ac.uk\/unauth<\/a> ).\u00a0 Also attend the annual Inns of Court Scholarships talk in October.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><strong>Extra-curricular activities which you should consider:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #3366ff\">Mooting, Mock Trials, Debating &amp; Public Speaking<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>See more about all of these topics on the &#8220;Work and Experiences&#8221; tab<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is it?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mooting<\/strong> requires you to role play a barrister in a simulated appeal on a point of law in front of a Judge.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mock Trials<\/strong> are also simulations but they differ from the above in that you will role play a whole trial in a lower court.\u00a0 This may involve witnesses, cross examination and juries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Debating<\/strong> is a method of argument where you have to take a side on an issue and try to influence the other party\/judge\/audience that you are right<\/li>\n<li><strong>Public speaking<\/strong> takes many forms but is essentially speaking in front of others i.e. were you Head Pupil in school; member of youth parliament; an actor; member of MUN; do you speak in church\/mosque etc.?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Do I need to do it? <\/strong>If you want to be a barrister you must be able to speak confidently, eloquently and persuasively, in front of strangers, often on the spot without much preparation.\u00a0 How will you prove this?\u00a0 All of the above will be useful but mooting will be the most valuable as this will demonstrate that you really are interested in the type of advocacy that a barrister does and that you do <em>really, really<\/em> want to do this!<\/p>\n<p><strong>How does KLS\/Uni of Kent help?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>KLS has established mooting and mock trials programmes and you will often find that the judges are real Judges!\u00a0 See the <strong>Lawyering Skills Programme on Moodle DP37001<\/strong> for more information and opportunities.<\/li>\n<li>There is a Student Debating Society &#8211; sign up at Freshers Fair \/ Refreshers Fair or on the Kent Union website<\/li>\n<li>The Kent Temple Law Society often has speakers from the Bar and an annual dinner.\u00a0 Some years they do mini-mooting and training too &#8211; sign up at Freshers Fair \/ Refreshers Fair or on the Kent Union website<\/li>\n<li>There are lots of opportunities for public speaking &#8211; think about becoming a University Ambassador, taking part in drama clubs, TedX talks (I think there is a student society), or join a public speaking club (there is a list here<a href=\"https:\/\/the-asc.org.uk\/kent\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> https:\/\/the-asc.org.uk\/kent\/<\/a> )<\/li>\n<li>There is a growing number of on-line opportunities to get involved with mooting such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/mooting-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/mooting-online\u00a0<\/a> \u00a0I googled &#8220;on-line mooting&#8221; and lots of opportunities came up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #808080\"><strong>Other useful RESOURCES<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barstandardsboard.org.uk\/training-qualification\/becoming-a-barrister.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.barstandardsboard.org.uk\/training-qualification\/becoming-a-barrister.html\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chambersstudent.co.uk\/the-bar\/a-career-at-the-bar\/pupillage-and-tenancy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.chambersstudent.co.uk\/the-bar\/a-career-at-the-bar\/pupillage-and-tenancy\u00a0<\/a> &#8211; see all the links on the right of the page too<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pupillageandhowtogetit.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/pupillageandhowtogetit.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>What&#8217;s it really like once you are a junior barrister?\u00a0 \u00a0Find out more in this publication &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcouncil.org.uk\/static\/432a4552-c0c2-4073-b3ff4000ae3e65b0\/Inside-Guide-to-life-at-the-Bar-2020-FINAL.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Inside-Guide-to-life-at-the-Bar-2020-FINAL<\/a>\u00a0 This guide has been written by members of the Young Bar Committee and Bar Council staff with input from solicitors, fellow barristers, pupil supervisors and clerks. It is designed for barristers in the early years of practice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to become a barrister This brochure produced by the Bar Council tells you everything you need to know: https:\/\/www.barcouncil.org.uk\/static\/8969ad3e-7c7b-4f60-95f4354d09b97a0e\/Becoming-a-Barrister-Online-Brochure-2024.pdf Essentially, the process to become &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/how-to-2\/becoming-a-barrister\/\">Read&nbsp;more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34794,"featured_media":0,"parent":2657,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1593"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34794"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1593"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1593\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4593,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1593\/revisions\/4593"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2657"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/getintolaw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1593"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}