Barrister - career development

Barristers are legal professionals who represent people or organisations in court. Read on to learn more about how to become a barrister, and what the role involves.

Find out how you'll build skills and experience below.

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How will your barrister career progress?

Career progression for barristers takes a lot of time and commitment. You’ll need a range of experience and qualifications to progress.

New barristers must spend at least 12 months in pupillage at a barrister’s chambers. When you’ve completed your pupillage, you can apply for a tenancy and become a junior barrister in chambers. From here, you’ll continue to gain experience and seniority. With a significant amount of experience, barristers can be appointed Queen’s Counsel (QC).

Most barristers work on a self-employed basis.

What opportunities are there for career development?

During pupillage, new barristers will be assigned a supervisor to help oversee and progress their early work.

At the start of your career, you’ll have to complete 45 hours of continual professional development (CPD) and then need to create a CPD plan for your future career.

The Bar Council offers support for UK barristers by providing guidance, personal help and mentoring services.

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