What is a barrister?

Barristers are independent specialist legal advisers and advocates who help individuals and organisations understand, pursue and defend their legal rights.

They’re probably best known for wearing wigs and gowns and presenting legal arguments in court. But there is much more than that to a career at the Bar. Some will not appear in court regularly and, in many courts, you don’t have to wear wigs and gowns anymore.

Barristers specialise in one or more areas of law (known as practice areas) and have in-depth knowledge, skills and expertise.

As a barrister, you might be:

  • Offering legal advice and opinion
  • Arguing a case
  • Examining or cross-examining (questioning in court) witnesses and experts
  • Researching the law and preparing legal arguments 

Where do barristers work?

Most barristers are self-employed (work for themselves) and they group together in offices known as ‘chambers’ where they pay ‘rent’ to cover building and staff costs.

Around a fifth of the Bar are employed barristers who work for an organisation like the government, banks or the military.

What’s the difference between barristers and solicitors?

In England and Wales, the legal profession is divided into two main groups: barristers and solicitors. Their work can often overlap as both offer legal advice and they represent and defend people and organisations. Most solicitors work at a law firm but there are those at other organisations, such as the Government. Their work can range across a variety of practice areas. Some solicitors can transfer to the Bar to qualify as barristers. This is determined by the Bar Standards Board.

Solicitors are often approached by a client (a member of the public or organisation) first. Usually, the solicitor then approaches a barrister to represent their client - this is known as instructing a barrister. The barrister will then provide specialist advice on the area of law they practice in and advocate on the client’s behalf.

You can find out more about becoming a solicitor on the Law Society’s website.

Other careers in the legal sector

Although barristers and solicitors are the two main groups, there are a variety of other careers in the legal sector including chartered legal executives, court legal advisers, paralegals, coroners and more. Head over to the National Careers Service to find out more about these and other legal careers.