Everything about barristers

ACADEMIC STAGE

- complete A-levels

- Bar Standards Board-approved law degree (OR another degree -> must complete one year GDL)

  Law degree and GDL involves compulsory/foundation topics: legal research, obligations, public and criminal law. There are also option modules; ie consumer law.

MEMBERSHIP OF INN OF COURT

Must join either: Inner Temple, Middle Temple, Gray's Inn, Lincoln's Inn.

Student must undertake 12 qualifying sessions, dinings, or residential training during their BPTC.

VOACTIONAL STAGE

Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)

Develops skills; preparing for a career at the Bar.

Practically based: advocacy, role-playing, case preparation, drafting documents, writing opinions, interpersonal skills.

ADMISSION TO BAR

Completion of BPTC = eligible to be 'Called to the Bar'

Graduation ceremony; held on one of the four 'Nights' a year

Officially titled barrister

PRACTICAL STAGE

Pupillage- one year- pupil to a qualified barrister (Pupil Supervisor)

  First six- non-practising, shadowing, completing paperwork

  Second six - practising, undertake supervised work of their own

NOW IS A PRACTISING BARRISTER

Controlled- General Council of the Bar

Regulated by Bar Standards Board

Must be a member of an Inn of Court

Usually self emplyed, work in chambers -> Practice Administrator manage work coming in and fees

Usually on instruction from solicitor.

DIRECT ACCESS for civil cases, straight to barrister

Cab-rank rule - must take work, first come first served (not applicable in direct access cases)

After 10 years - able to applyto become a silk

NO CONTRACT BETWEEN CLIENT AND BARRISTER - CANNOT SUE FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT

Unsatisfied client

1) In-House Complaints Procedure

2.) Office for Legal Complaints ( Legal Services Act 2007)

All complaints referred to Legal Ombudsman.

Power to

- ask barrister to apologise, give back any documents, put things right, refund, compensation up to £30,000

BSB discipline if breach of conduct and it's a serious matter, referred to Disciplinary Tribunal of the Council of the Inns of Court 

Advocacy

Legal research

Case conferences, advising clients on law

Writing opinions for their clients

Negotiating settlements with other side