How do I become a barrister?
Stage 1: academic
3 to 5 years
You’ll begin your journey by doing a degree. You’ll need two to three A Levels or the equivalent to go to university. The grades you’ll need depend on the university course’s requirements. You can either study a degree in law (often referred to as an LLB) or any subject plus a conversion course. This is a graduate diploma in law (GDL) and can be done full or part-time. Alternatively, you can do a joint GDL and master of laws course.
Stage 2: vocational
1 to 2 years
Next you will have to apply for a Bar training course (also referred to as Bar vocational studies or Bar professional training course). This is a postgraduate course which can be completed full or part-time. Have a look at the list of Authorised Education and Training Organisations that provide Bar training. The four Inns of Court (Lincoln’s, Inner, Middle and Gray’s) offer scholarship opportunities for all students expecting to start the course – find out more about funding and scholarships.
Stage 3: pupillage
1 year to 18 months
This is the final stage of your journey to becoming a member of the Bar. Pupillage is the work-based component – like a paid apprenticeship – which is split into your ‘first six’ and ‘second six’, your non-practising and your practising period. Pupillage can be completed in chambers or at an organisation like the Crown Prosecution Service. You then apply for tenancy in chambers as a self-employed barrister or for a permanent position with an organisation as an employed barrister.
