Special features

From graduate to barrister: how to get in

Everything you need to know about qualifying as a barrister, finding pupillage vacancies and working life at the Bar. Whether you want to know about pupillage awards, Pupillage Portal applications or how to become a barrister if you are not a law graduate, you can find answers to key questions here. (More...)

Have you got what it takes to succeed as a barrister?

Could you stand up and perform in court? Find out more about the personal qualities you need in this intensely competitive legal career. (More...)

Becoming a barrister: what to do and when to do it

Our term-by-term guide explains the steps you need to take before and after you graduate in order to meet deadlines for conversion course, Bar professional training course and pupillage applications. (More...)

The Inns of Court: essential help for your Bar career

The Inns of Court can provide all sorts of support to their members, including funding for students and graduates applying for the conversion course, Bar professional training course and pupillage. (More...)

Useful contacts for Bar careers

If you're looking for further information about a graduate career as a barrister, specialist contacts, or details on conversion course or Bar vocational course funding, try this comprehensive list of resources about working in law. (More...)

How pupillage works

Find out what to expect during pupillage, the year of on-the-job training for graduates who want careers as barristers, and how to apply. (More...)

Do you have to be self-employed to work as a barrister?

Most barristers are self-employed and based in sets, but not all. You could find a graduate job at the 'employed Bar', working for the Government Legal Service, the Crown Prosecution Service or another organisation. (More...)

Choosing the right chambers for your Bar career

The type of chambers at which you complete your pupillage can affect your whole career as a barrister. Work out what direction you want to take long term to help you decide where to apply. (More...)

Can barristers have great careers outside London?

Don't think you have to live in London to have a successful graduate career as a barrister. There are pupillage and tenancy vacancies offering high quality work all over the country. (More...)

What do graduates earn working as barristers?

Graduates training to become barristers receive pupillage awards from their sets. Find out how much you can expect to be paid and how your earnings should increase in the first few years of your career. (More...)

Legal language: barristers' glossary

From pupillage and Inns of Court to deviling and third sixes, make sure you understand the terminology associated with becoming a barrister. (More...)

On the case: defending a high-profile age discrimination claim

Two barristers who represented a leading law firm in its defence of an age discrimination claim describe what it takes to work together successfully. (More...)