DICTAcareers
Roughly, for every nine students who become solicitors, only one
will become a barrister. Having weighed these pros and cons, if you have
decided that the Bar is for you, the next question will be how to go about
it. For those of you at the start of this epic journey, here are my basic four
steps to the barrister dream:
Step One: Pass your degree.
This is perhaps more easily said than done! Unfortunately, a 2.1 classification is pretty much essential and, as always, a 1st is even better. However, if (like me) you do not have one, do not be disheartened; there are
plenty of other ways to make up for it. Do not forget to choose modules
that will not only allow you to boost your grades but will also support the
areas of law you would like to pursue as a barrister.
Step Two: Demonstrate that you have an aptitude for a career at the bar and a desire
to be a barrister.
Build up skills and showcase aptitude through extra-curricular activities: mooting, debating, and participating in Bar Society events in particular. Work experience through marshalling, work shadowing, and mini-pupillages are a great way to demonstrate commitment to the profession.
Even vacation schemes can help demonstrate that you know which careers
you do not want to pursue!
Step Three: Take the BPTC.
This is the vocational training that you need to take before you can
commence pupillage, and it serves a similar function to the LPC. However,
be warned; it is pricey. In London, providers charge upwards of £16,000
“Whilst the barrister route
may not be as affluent as that
to the City [law firm] taken by
friends... we should not ignore
it as a career prospect.”
so you should not commit light-heartedly. However, before you despair,
there are plenty of funding opportunities available: the Inns of Court,
several high street banks, and even some providers such as BPP can offer
financial support for your BPTC year.
Step Four: Obtain pupillage.
This is the formal training stage that you must complete before you
can practice as a barrister. You will most likely apply during your BPTC
year, but you can apply during third year. Unfortunately, in keeping with
the previous steps, the recruitment process is tough - really tough. The Bar
Standards Board estimates that only a quarter of students who complete
the BPTC obtain pupillage. Ever. Once you are lucky enough to obtain
pupillage, you then spend the year in chambers working alongside your
supervisor. During the first six months of pupillage you are simply observing and assisting, whereas during the second six you can finally take
your own instructions and start to act on your own. If you have completed
this year satisfactorily and your chambers still like you, you will be offered
a tenancy, and finally all your hard work will have paid off.
To sum up, whilst the barrister route may not be as affluent as that
to the City taken by friends, and many deterrent factors exist such as the
ridiculous level of competition, we should not ignore it as a career prospect. Yes, it is a challenge. Yes, you will probably receive many rejection
letters. Yes, you will probably cry at least once during the application season. However, if you are truly determined, you can succeed. It will be
worthwhile as being a barrister is one of the most rewarding careers out
there, with benefits like no others.
Eloise Pollard is a second-year LLB Law student, the Vice President of the Bar
Society 2013/14 and Vice Chair of the Spring Ball Committee 2013.