Practice options

About 80% of barristers are self-employed. The rest are employed in industry, commerce or central or local government. The work of an employed barrister can vary greatly. The majority work in specialist legal departments, advising only the organisation for which they work, whilst others work in solicitors firms, advising clients directly. Please click here for more information on the employed Bar.

Barristers can also work in an employed capacity in a Legal Disciplinary Practice (LDP). Most LDPs are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and are distinguished from law firms by rules permitting non-lawyers to hold ownership interests. Barrister can become an owners or managers of LDPs.

Self-employed barristers work in offices called 'chambers', which they may share with other barristers. On completion of their training, barristers apply for a permanent position known as 'tenancy' in a set of chambers. Please click here for more information on the self-employed Bar.