Barrister: Entry requirements

A career as a barrister is open to graduates in any subject, though non-law graduates have to undertake a law conversion course before they can start professional training.

There are three stages to training:

• Academic - a qualifying law degree, or an undergraduate degree in another subject followed by the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) (sometimes referred to as the Common Professional Exam (CPE)). Entry to the Bar is fiercely competitive and a good degree (at least a 2:1) is almost essential.
• Vocational - completion of the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), which takes one year full time or two years part time.
• Pupillage - a year of practical training with an authorised pupillage training organisation spent under the supervision of an experienced barrister.

Entrants to the BPTC who do not have a qualifying law degree must take the GDL before applying. The GDL is offered at many institutions across the country and, in addition to the seven foundation subjects, students learn legal method and research skills, the English legal system and an additional specialist legal topic. Those wanting to study the GDL full time need to apply through the Central Applications Board . Contact individual institutions direct for part-time study.

Full details of the BPTC (entry, curriculum, assessment and course providers) are available from the Bar Standards Board (BSB) . Applications for the BPTC must be made through a centralised clearing system (see BPTC Online ) by early January prior to entry. The purpose of the BPTC is to ensure that students acquire the skills, knowledge, attitudes and competence needed to undertake the pupillage. A limited number of scholarships are available from the Inns of Court - Lincoln's Inn , Middle Temple , Gray's Inn  or Inner Temple . Details of funding and all other aspects of studying to become a barrister are available from The Bar Council .

After the BPTC, intending barristers must complete a pupillage in order to practise. The pupillage is divided into two parts: 

• the non-practising six months (the 'first six');
• and the practising six months (the 'second six').

You should apply for a pupillage before starting the BPTC via the Pupillage Gateway , operated by The Bar Council. Applicants may apply to up to 12 chambers or Authorised Training Organisations (ATO). The deadline to apply is the end of April and full details are available on the website. Competition is very strong, in terms of both academic standards and personal qualities, with an average of over three applicants for every place, so it is important to apply in the first round. The National Pupillage Fair  (held annually in March) offers an opportunity to find out more.

By the end of May prior to starting the BPTC, it is also necessary to join one of the four Inns of Court. The Inns provide educational and social support for barristers and student barristers, including libraries, dining halls and common rooms. The choice of Inn does not affect the areas of legal practice open to you, or the choice of chambers for pupillage or tenancy applications, but if you have received a scholarship, you will be required to join the Inn that provided it. The student officer at each Inn will supply more information.

To become an advocate you need a Scottish law degree and the Scottish Diploma in Legal Practice. It is then necessary to undertake a period of training (usually 21 consecutive calendar months) in a solicitor's office approved by the Faculty of Advocates . After you have been formally admitted by the Faculty as an 'intrant' (trainee advocate) and passed certain examinations, there comes a further eight-to-nine month period of practical training ('devilling') with an experienced advocate (a 'devilmaster') and finally a competency assessment, which includes written and oral advocacy skills.

Law graduates wishing to practise as a barrister in Northern Ireland should apply for the one-year barrister-of-law course at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies . After being called to the Bar, trainees must undertake a 12-month pupillage with a Master. After three months barrister pupils are able to take on cases with the permission of the Education Committee. See The Bar Library for more information.

Candidates will need to show evidence of:

• academic ability (particularly research skills);
• legal and commercial awareness;
• written and oral communication skills;
• advocacy skills;
• interpersonal skills;
• excellent time, project and people management skills;
• the ability to remain calm under pressure;
• IT skills;
• self-motivation and self-discipline;
• responsibility and integrity;
• determination and stamina.

Relevant work experience is essential. Any legal experience is useful but a mini-pupillage - a short period of work experience and shadowing, usually one week, with a set of chambers - is regarded highly by recruiters. See the Pupillage Gateway  website for a list of chambers offering mini-pupillages. Criminal records must be disclosed and may exclude some applicants.

Other relevant work experience includes:

• marshalling - sitting with a judge, usually for up to a week;
• pro-bono work - voluntary work with a Citizens Advice Bureau  or the Free Representation Unit ;
• public speaking - e.g. through a university debating or law school mooting society;
• paid law work experience - e.g. as a paralegal working for a solicitor, taking notes in court.

Full details of training are available on the Bar Standards Board (BSB)  website.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.