Before being 'called to the Bar', you'll need to complete and pass the Bar training course. Once you've been called, you'll undertake training with your Inn of Court and complete pupillage before you practise (next step).
What is the Bar training course?
The Bar training course – also referred to as Bar vocational studies or Bar professional training course – is the second stage of training where you will learn the practical skills and knowledge to become a barrister. You should consider all your options before you choose a vocational training provider.
How do I secure a place on a Bar training course?
The Bar Standards Board (the Bar’s regulator which sets education and training requirements also referred to as the BSB) states that you need at least a 2:2 degree to become a barrister in England and Wales. Some Bar training course providers may require a 2:1 degree or higher – make sure you check the eligibility requirements of the university you wish to apply to for Bar training.
Most chambers and employers will ask for a 2:1 degree or higher when you apply for a pupillage (the work-based element). Data from our most recent Pupillage Gateway round – the Bar’s recruitment portal – found that 57.6% of pupillage offers were made to those with a First and 41.2% went to those with a 2:1. It’s therefore encouraged that you aim for a grade higher than what the BSB authorise (2:2).
Have a look at our Pupillage Gateway Report which highlights how many candidates are applying for a pupillage, who is securing them and top tips on how you can secure one too.
Twelve weeks before starting the vocational stage, you must become a member of one of the four Inns of Court (Lincoln’s, Inner, Middle and Gray’s) as they are responsible for ‘calling’ barristers to the Bar.
Where can I do the Bar training course?
If you are interested in pursuing the Bar training course, you should look at current Bar training course providers and the courses they offer. We encourage you to check their websites for more information on pricing and the application cycle. For advice on how to fund your studies, have a look at our funding and scholarships page.
How do I get ‘called to the Bar’?
As you complete the vocational course, you’ll undertake training courses provided by your Inn to be ‘called to the Bar’. The process of being ‘called to the Bar’ culminates in the graduation-style ceremony where you formally become a barrister (although you’ll not be permitted to practise until you have completed pupillage).
Top tips
- Do your research – find out more about scholarships, Bar Training courses, pupillages, chambers and employers and the different practice areas you might be interested in
- Gain experience – all legal work experience is useful, whether that be volunteering in your university’s legal clinic or working as a court clerk
- Network with barristers – you can do this when you when doing work experience or via social media. They were you once and many are happy to help the next generation of barristers
- Take part in mooting (a mock court competition) – it will help you develop your advocacy and communication skills as well as your knowledge of the law
- Become a member of your university’s legal society to meet likeminded people
How can I gain experience and learn more?
There are lots of useful things you can do to harness your legal skills and improve your CV which will strengthen your pupillage applications.
10,000 Black Interns
The Bar Council and 10000 Interns Foundation
This initiative provides six-week paid internship opportunities for young Black people at the Bar of England and Wales. You’ll be given the chance to work in several different chambers and organisations and will also be able to develop your skills and build your professional network.
Pro bono volunteering
Advocate
You can volunteer with the Bar’s pro bono charity, Advocate. The casework programmes run throughout the year will allow you to get hands-on experience supporting people seeking help with their legal problems.
Bar Placement Scheme
The Bar Council, Inns of Court and chambers
You can spend up to four days shadowing a barrister in chambers or their organisation and in court and receive advocacy training from the Inns of Court College of Advocacy (a Bar training provider). This opportunity will help you build your skills and CV and establish whether you want to join the Bar.
Volunteer to represent
Free Representation Unit
You can volunteer for the Free Representation Unit (FRU) which provides free representation in social security and employment tribunals for those who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford lawyers. You’ll be trained and supervised by a team of paid legal officers.
Helen Grindrod Social Mobility Prize
Lincoln's Inn
Lincoln’s Inn’s Helen Grindrod Social Mobility Prize aims to improve access to the profession and support high-achieving students by providing experiences and opportunities to help you make informed choices about your career at the Bar.
Talks
Lincoln's Inn
Lincoln's Inn offers talks where you’ll learn more about the Inns, training for the Bar and life as a barrister, followed by a dinner.
Tours and lunches with barristers
Access to the Bar Awards
Middle Temple
The Inn offers tours and lunches with barristers, scholarship drop-ins and Middle’s Access to the Bar Awards provides two funded weeks of work experience every summer for up to 30 undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds.
Pegasus Access and Support Scheme (PASS)
Inner Temple
Inner Temple’s PASS supports aspiring barristers from underrepresented backgrounds by providing experiences and a development programme that will support your career at the Bar.
Advocacy days, talks, ethics workshops and online talks
Gray's Inn
The Inn offers advocacy days, ethics workshops and online talks to help you gain experience and understand what life at the Bar is like.
University legal clinics
If your university has a legal advice clinic, find out if you can volunteer and gain practical experience.
Law reform essay competition
The Bar Council
Enter our annual competition by submitting an essay making the case to reform English, Welsh, or European law. You can win up to £4,000 and the winner will have their essay published on Counsel magazine’s website.
Mini-pupillages
Mini-pupillages are short periods of work experience in chambers or with an employer where you will shadow a barrister typically for three to four days. Have a look at Chambers Student where mini-pupillages are listed.
The Bar Council's Pupillage Fair
Attend our Pupillage Fair to hear from practising barristers about their journey into the profession. You can also sign up for the CV clinic where they will receive tailored advice on how to strengthen their applications. In the week leading up to the fair, there are several online seminars where you can find out more about life at the Bar.
Find out more about the Pupillage Fair and what the day involves by listening to the ReImagine Law podcast
Interview preparation and CV clinics
Technology and Construction Bar Association (TECBAR)
Technology and Construction Bar Association (TECBAR) offer interview preparation and CV clinics.