Barrister : Career development

Upon completion of pupillage, you can apply for tenancy and become a junior barrister in chambers. The cases you deal with will become increasingly serious and complex. Challenges to career development for self-employed barristers at this stage may include limited finances, long hours required to cover cases, and the need to manage your own workload. Because of this, career development and financial stability is very much dependent on your cases, your approach to your work and your ability to successfully build up a practice and reputation. Further career development involves honing and updating your skills. For many barristers, the eventual aim is to 'take silk' and become a Queen's Counsel (QC). This involves leading in very serious cases or entering the judiciary as an assistant recorder prior to becoming a judge.

Alternatively, barristers may choose to practise at the employed Bar and apply for positions with in-house legal services departments in commercial companies or public sector organisations. There is a growing number of opportunities in publicly funded work. Career progression may involve heading up such a team or moving into the higher levels of general management.

Getting involved with professional bodies and groups such as the Young Barristers Committee, part of The Bar Council , from an early stage can help to raise your profile and develop your professional skills. Career development requires a creative approach to career opportunities and the ability to think laterally - success may depend on choosing a specialist area in which you can develop a reputation.