What Barristers Do

Barristers provide specialist legal advice and represent their clients in courts and tribunals. The work is intellectually challenging in an intense and demanding professional environment. It is also a very rewarding career.

Barristers’ work varies considerably depending on the area of law they practise in, and their seniority. Typically, barristers do some or all of the following:

Advising clients on the law and the strength of their legal case. This often requires considerable amounts of legal research, followed by writing an ‘Opinion’ for your client setting out your advice.

Holding ‘conferences’ with clients to discuss their case and give them legal advice.

Representing clients in court. This can include presenting the case, cross-examining witnesses, summing up all relevant material and giving reasons why the court should support your case.

Negotiating settlements with the other side.

Most barristers are self-employed and work in chambers, although approximately 20 percent are “employed barristers” and work for an employer in industry, commerce or central or local government. This is known as the 'Employed Bar'. The role of the employed barrister can vary greatly depending on the employer. The majority will work in specialist legal departments advising only the organisation they work for.

Self-employed barristers work in offices called chambers which they may share with other barristers. On completion of their training, barristers apply for tenancy in a set of chambers.

Barristers’ working hours may be long and varied, including evenings and weekends. A considerable amount of time may be spent travelling to the venue where a case is being heard. Nevertheless, a growing number of barristers balance their work with other commitments, including family.