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The majority of barristers are self-employed and typically become tenants in a set of chambers. They are independent practitioners gaining work through the offices of the clerk to chambers or through personal contacts with solicitors. Their clients are primarily solicitors.
Approximately 3,000 employed barristers are registered with The Bar Council , but it is thought that there are actually over 12,000 barristers working in-house for a wide range of organisations in England and Wales. Around one quarter of all barristers in practice are those working in employed practice. They work for a wide range of employers and organisations including:
Barristers are also employed on a non-practising basis within industry and commerce, as well as in solicitors' firms (in which they must make it clear that they are non-practising).
Some barristers move from chambers into employed work and then back into chambers. This is likely to become more common as the practice of law changes, particularly in relation to publicly funded work. The Bar is currently undergoing changes due to developments in the law and fee payment structures, which may affect the profession in the future.
Search graduate jobs on this site.
Recruitment agencies rarely handle vacancies.
All sets of chambers who recruit must now advertise on the Pupillage Portal , which provides a common application form and timetable for recruiters wanting to participate in this scheme. Currently around 40% of pupillages are filled through this scheme and approximately 560 pupillage vacancies are available annually.
See also job hunting tips and applications, CVs and interviews.
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