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Barrister

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Barrister Job Description

Barristers Are Specialists In Advocacy And Represent Individuals Or Organisations In Court. They Are Independent Sources Of Legal Advice And Can Advise Clients On Their Case. Generally, They Are Hired By Solicitors To Represent A Case In Court And Only Become Involved Once Advocacy Before A Court Is Needed. They Plead The Case On Behalf Of The Client And The Client's Solicitor. However, Members Of The Public Can Go Directly To A Barrister To Ask For Advice And Representation In Court.

Barristers Usually Specialise In Particular Areas Of Law Such As Criminal Law, Chancery Law (estates And Trusts), Commercial Law, Entertainment Law, Sports Law And Common Law, Which Includes Family, Housing And Personal Injury Law.

Most Barristers Work On A Self-employed Basis, While Others Work In Government Departments Or Agencies. An Increasing Number Of Employed Barristers Work In Private And Public Organisations, Such As Charities.

Self-employed Barristers Work In Offices Called Chambers, And May Have Their Own Office Or Share One With Other Barristers.

Barrister Duties/Functions/Responsibilities

  • taking instruction from clients and their solicitors;
  • understanding and interpreting the law; 
  • representing clients in court;
  • presenting arguments in court;
  • mastering and managing legal briefs (cases);
  • summing up the reasons why the court should support the client's case;
  • drafting legal documents;
  • negotiating settlements.
  • the work of a criminal barrister is likely to involve a lot of advocacy in court;
  • a family law barrister may be representing clients in court in a contact dispute or divorce case, but may also be involved in mediation as a way of avoiding the need to go to court;
  • barristers practising chancery/commercial law are generally in court far less than those in other practice areas and instead spend more time undertaking drafting and advisory work.
  • undertaking legal research into relevant points of law;
  • writing opinions and advising solicitors and other professionals;
  • preparing cases for court, including holding client conferences, preparing legal arguments, etc.;
  • advising clients on matters of law and evidence and the strength of their case;
  • examining and cross-examining witnesses;

Employed barristers undertake similar activities for one company or client. At more senior levels, they may also become involved with the development of legal policy and strategy.

Barristers also contribute to the collective running and management of chambers, particularly with respect to the recruitment of pupils and other tenants.

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