Barrister
Specialist court advocate - argue cases, advise on complex legal issues, draft pleadings.
This UK barrister career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £15,000 - £45,000 (pupillage varies)
- Mid-career salary
- £60,000 - £150,000
- Senior salary
- £200,000 - £1,000,000+
- Work environment
- Chambers, court, mostly self-employed
- Time to entry
- 5 - 7 years (LLB + Bar + pupillage)
- Degree required
- Required
- Category
- Business, Finance and Legal
What a Barrister does
Specialist court advocate - argue cases, advise on complex legal issues, draft pleadings.
- Criminal Bar - Defence and prosecution work.
- Commercial Bar - Commercial disputes and arbitration.
- Family Bar - Family law including children and ancillary relief.
- Employment Bar - Employment tribunal and EAT work.
How to become a Barrister
- Look up Barrister roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Barrister - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Advocacy
- Legal research
- Drafting
- Stamina
- Resilience