Should I become a Barrister or Solicitor?
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Lord Hysteria
How? I have never heard of that?? 
It makes your last post in which you were trying to dissect me look like the second word of your name. Hysteria.
Lord Hysteria
1. Hang on. You are saying solicitors can earn a QC rank???????? 
2. You forgot the key word "SOME" - which probably means you are a solicitor with a grudge, or simply ignorant.
3. Besides banging on the same point, you forgot the key word "SOME" AGAIN
Can a solicitor represent someone in the Court of Appeal? No they can't, and therefore it isn't true that "theres nothing a Barrister can do that a Solicitor can't"
4. ... and many business would choose a barrister over a solicitor, making it economic and business, as well as traditionally.
5. Maybe the sprinter is more suited to sprinting!! Did you consider that awesome possibility?
6.And considering the public are famously aware of Paula Radcliffe, I would say that in itself refutes what your rather limited (and somewhat childish) view of why people become sprinters.
2. You forgot the key word "SOME" - which probably means you are a solicitor with a grudge, or simply ignorant.
3. Besides banging on the same point, you forgot the key word "SOME" AGAIN
Can a solicitor represent someone in the Court of Appeal? No they can't, and therefore it isn't true that "theres nothing a Barrister can do that a Solicitor can't"
4. ... and many business would choose a barrister over a solicitor, making it economic and business, as well as traditionally.
5. Maybe the sprinter is more suited to sprinting!! Did you consider that awesome possibility?
6.And considering the public are famously aware of Paula Radcliffe, I would say that in itself refutes what your rather limited (and somewhat childish) view of why people become sprinters.
1.
2. No I assumed you were intelligent enough to percieve that OBVIOUSLY I wasn't referring to all Solicitors
. What I wrote still makes sense 3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen's_Counsel . Read through.
4. Yes and no
. How about you forgetting the word SOME 5. Maybe so, but nowadays, since a solicitor can do EVERYTHING that a Barrister can in terms of represantation, taking silk and so on (and more for that matter) it is the same THESEDAYS.
So, it doesn't matter where you're suited to You do the same thing in both jobs (if you want) except with as a Solicitor you can do the literal side of things too . So think of it...as a hybrid distance/sprint runner - like at an equilibrium, thats how I thought it as, a figurative example . It's not my fault you couldn't percieve it right first time Hence, with the choices, you choose which way you sway .6. Paula Radcliffe? And fame? Oh please, we all know the only reason anyone mentions her name isn't because she's outstanding, it's because the rest of our runners are USELESS. By the PUBLIC you forgot the word SOME in some of public...locatedly in the UK...only?
Or you could have Usain Bolt, Carl Lewis, Tyson Gay. Mega-attractions.
The Mens 100m is the red-ribbon event in the whole of athletics, let alone the Olympic Stage where it is one of the 'where-were-you?' moments.
Guys I thought deciding to become a barrister or a solicitor was an easy decision to make:
Good Uni + first class degree = Barrister
Everyone else = Solicitor
Someone correct me if I am wrong, please. I don't mean to be arrogant, naive or whatever but this was the impression i got.
Good Uni + first class degree = Barrister
Everyone else = Solicitor
Someone correct me if I am wrong, please. I don't mean to be arrogant, naive or whatever but this was the impression i got.
LeedsStude1
Guys I thought deciding to become a barrister or a solicitor was an easy decision to make:
Good Uni + first class degree = Barrister
Everyone else = Solicitor
Someone correct me if I am wrong, please. I don't mean to be arrogant, naive or whatever but this was the impression i got.
Good Uni + first class degree = Barrister
Everyone else = Solicitor
Someone correct me if I am wrong, please. I don't mean to be arrogant, naive or whatever but this was the impression i got.
People who want to become solicitors = Solicitor
A certain amount of misinformation here if I may say so.
It is correct to say that there is some erosion of the differences between the two branches of the profession; however the average solicitor and the average barrister still do very different jobs. I believe that will remain the case, comparatively few solicitors want to be advocates or have the opportunity to acquire the necessary experience to compete with a specialist advocate - I think that there will always be an independent bar, although that's not to say that it may contract somewhat.
Also regarding client contact - as a barrister you may not be directly instructed by the lay client, but you will still spend a considerable amount of time conducting conferences and so on with both professional and lay clients. Client care skills are just as important for a barrister, perhaps more so given that you are self-employed.
It is the case that competition for pupillage is very fierce indeed, but it doesn’t necessarily follow that it is only less able people who qualify as solicitors – plenty of people with excellent academic achievements choose to become solicitors rather than barristers.
The financial rewards of the bar are grossly overestimated. A newly qualified solicitor is very likely to be earning far more than a newly qualified barrister. Add in the security of being employed, company cars, health insurance, pensions and assessed solely on financial reward it is probably a far better prospect to qualify as a solicitor.
It would be madness to pursue a career on the bar on an assumption that it is more prestigious or deserving of respect. Simon Myerson QC has an interesting post on his blog (essential reading for anyone curious about a career at the bar) about why he became a barrister: http://pupillageandhowtogetit.wordpress.com/
It is correct to say that there is some erosion of the differences between the two branches of the profession; however the average solicitor and the average barrister still do very different jobs. I believe that will remain the case, comparatively few solicitors want to be advocates or have the opportunity to acquire the necessary experience to compete with a specialist advocate - I think that there will always be an independent bar, although that's not to say that it may contract somewhat.
Also regarding client contact - as a barrister you may not be directly instructed by the lay client, but you will still spend a considerable amount of time conducting conferences and so on with both professional and lay clients. Client care skills are just as important for a barrister, perhaps more so given that you are self-employed.
It is the case that competition for pupillage is very fierce indeed, but it doesn’t necessarily follow that it is only less able people who qualify as solicitors – plenty of people with excellent academic achievements choose to become solicitors rather than barristers.
The financial rewards of the bar are grossly overestimated. A newly qualified solicitor is very likely to be earning far more than a newly qualified barrister. Add in the security of being employed, company cars, health insurance, pensions and assessed solely on financial reward it is probably a far better prospect to qualify as a solicitor.
It would be madness to pursue a career on the bar on an assumption that it is more prestigious or deserving of respect. Simon Myerson QC has an interesting post on his blog (essential reading for anyone curious about a career at the bar) about why he became a barrister: http://pupillageandhowtogetit.wordpress.com/
Some very good points ninon but may I ask you why you think people at the very first instance want to be lawyers - Do they have aspirations to sit in a big office doing corporate deals or do they see rumbole of the bailey etc and want to stand in front of a judge and advocate?
I believe that everyone starts off wanting to be a barrister but then knocks occur along the road – bad grades, wanting jobs security etc - that force people to settle for a career as a solicitor. Highlighting the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor is all very well but the majority of people don’t have the luxury to choose between the two.
Am I talking rubbish or have other people different views. I would be really interested to hear them.
I believe that everyone starts off wanting to be a barrister but then knocks occur along the road – bad grades, wanting jobs security etc - that force people to settle for a career as a solicitor. Highlighting the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor is all very well but the majority of people don’t have the luxury to choose between the two.
Am I talking rubbish or have other people different views. I would be really interested to hear them.
LeedsStude1
Some very good points ninon but may I ask you why you think people at the very first instance want to be lawyers - Do they have aspirations to sit in a big office doing corporate deals or do they see rumbole of the bailey etc and want to stand in front of a judge and advocate?
I believe that everyone starts off wanting to be a barrister but then knocks occur along the road – bad grades, wanting jobs security etc - that force people to settle for a career as a solicitor. Highlighting the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor is all very well but the majority of people don’t have the luxury to choose between the two.
Am I talking rubbish or have other people different views. I would be really interested to hear them.
I believe that everyone starts off wanting to be a barrister but then knocks occur along the road – bad grades, wanting jobs security etc - that force people to settle for a career as a solicitor. Highlighting the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor is all very well but the majority of people don’t have the luxury to choose between the two.
Am I talking rubbish or have other people different views. I would be really interested to hear them.
You are talking complete rubbish. I may have had a fleeting desire to be a barrister when I was about 12 watching Kavanagh QC, but have only ever wanted to be a solicitor since the beginning of my actual legal education. I did a mini-pupillage (it was offered through a family friend, so I thought why not) and although I found the cases interesting, and enjoyed it in that sense, it thoroughly confirmed my chosen career path. And I have a first from a good uni.
LeedsStude1
Some very good points ninon but may I ask you why you think people at the very first instance want to be lawyers - Do they have aspirations to sit in a big office doing corporate deals or do they see rumbole of the bailey etc and want to stand in front of a judge and advocate?
I believe that everyone starts off wanting to be a barrister but then knocks occur along the road – bad grades, wanting jobs security etc - that force people to settle for a career as a solicitor. Highlighting the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor is all very well but the majority of people don’t have the luxury to choose between the two.
Am I talking rubbish or have other people different views. I would be really interested to hear them.
I believe that everyone starts off wanting to be a barrister but then knocks occur along the road – bad grades, wanting jobs security etc - that force people to settle for a career as a solicitor. Highlighting the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor is all very well but the majority of people don’t have the luxury to choose between the two.
Am I talking rubbish or have other people different views. I would be really interested to hear them.
I have trouble understanding how anyone would forfeit a career at the Bar when provided with a chance at success there; however, this is mostly dictated by the arrogance and close-mindedness of an aspiring Barrister and should be given minimal credance.
Evil_Genius
I have trouble understanding how anyone would forfeit a career at the Bar when provided with a chance at success there; however, this is mostly dictated by the arrogance and close-mindedness of an aspiring Barrister and should be given minimal credance.
Some people don't like wigs?
LeedsStude1
Some very good points ninon but may I ask you why you think people at the very first instance want to be lawyers - Do they have aspirations to sit in a big office doing corporate deals or do they see rumbole of the bailey etc and want to stand in front of a judge and advocate?
I believe that everyone starts off wanting to be a barrister but then knocks occur along the road – bad grades, wanting jobs security etc - that force people to settle for a career as a solicitor. Highlighting the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor is all very well but the majority of people don’t have the luxury to choose between the two.
Am I talking rubbish or have other people different views. I would be really interested to hear them.
I believe that everyone starts off wanting to be a barrister but then knocks occur along the road – bad grades, wanting jobs security etc - that force people to settle for a career as a solicitor. Highlighting the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor is all very well but the majority of people don’t have the luxury to choose between the two.
Am I talking rubbish or have other people different views. I would be really interested to hear them.
I think there are plenty of reasons of wanting to be a solicitor rather than a barrister. Variety and mobility might be just two of those...
Evil_Genius
I have trouble understanding how anyone would forfeit a career at the Bar when provided with a chance at success there
This isn't rocket science! It's not like being a Barrister is the holy grail of careers which only the perfect will get, whereas everybody else is doomed to other inferior careers due to their imperfections. It's like saying: if Barristers are possessed of such phenomenal intellectual prowess then how were they able to forfeit a career as a banker (for the money), academic (for the intellectual satisfaction), doctor (for the social benefit), etc.?
People choose different careers because they find doing such a job attractive (whether that attraction is based on intellectual challenge, job security, money, etc.), not because they have some inherent suitability towards it, although that may play a part.
EDIT: In retrospect, most Barristers probably do think they are perfect and look down on every other career.
I was speaking with my tongue so firmly in cheek that I will probably now require reconstructive surgery, but it seems that my point still eluded some
That would be rather self-destructive, as the odds are that I'd come groveling to the Solicitors' Roll in 3-4 years after failing to secure pupillage.
TommehR
This isn't rocket science! It's not like being a Barrister is the holy grail of careers which only the perfect will get, whereas everybody else is doomed to other inferior careers due to their imperfections. It's like saying: if Barristers are possessed of such phenomenal intellectual prowess then how were they able to forfeit a career as a banker (for the money), academic (for the intellectual satisfaction), doctor (for the social benefit), etc.?
This isn't rocket science! It's not like being a Barrister is the holy grail of careers which only the perfect will get, whereas everybody else is doomed to other inferior careers due to their imperfections. It's like saying: if Barristers are possessed of such phenomenal intellectual prowess then how were they able to forfeit a career as a banker (for the money), academic (for the intellectual satisfaction), doctor (for the social benefit), etc.?
Your examples of other careers are going a bit off topic - can we keep to solicitors and barristers please?
My whole point is that becoming a barrister IS the holy grail of practicing law. A lot of aspiring barristers have to settle for a role as a solicitor because they can't land a pupillage. I don't see any aspiring solicitors having to settle as barristers because hey can't land a TC, do you? The fact there is a difference between the two professions doesn't count for the interchange between them regarding changing career.
Speaking strictly logically, Leeds, you are equating difficulty with desirability, which is a bit of a misnomer.
LeedsStude1
Your examples of other careers are going a bit off topic - can we keep to solicitors and barristers please?
My whole point is that becoming a barrister IS the holy grail of practicing law. A lot of aspiring barristers have to settle for a role as a solicitor because they can't land a pupillage. I don't see any aspiring solicitors having to settle as barristers because hey can't land a TC, do you? The fact there is a difference between the two professions doesn't count for the interchange between them regarding changing career.
My whole point is that becoming a barrister IS the holy grail of practicing law. A lot of aspiring barristers have to settle for a role as a solicitor because they can't land a pupillage. I don't see any aspiring solicitors having to settle as barristers because hey can't land a TC, do you? The fact there is a difference between the two professions doesn't count for the interchange between them regarding changing career.
You mean one is more difficult to get into than the other, but what you're saying is that one is more desirable than the other. It don't add up.
EDIT: Just read your post evil_genius, sorry about the redundancy.
LeedsStude1
Your examples of other careers are going a bit off topic - can we keep to solicitors and barristers please?
My whole point is that becoming a barrister IS the holy grail of practicing law. A lot of aspiring barristers have to settle for a role as a solicitor because they can't land a pupillage. I don't see any aspiring solicitors having to settle as barristers because hey can't land a TC, do you? The fact there is a difference between the two professions doesn't count for the interchange between them regarding changing career.
My whole point is that becoming a barrister IS the holy grail of practicing law. A lot of aspiring barristers have to settle for a role as a solicitor because they can't land a pupillage. I don't see any aspiring solicitors having to settle as barristers because hey can't land a TC, do you? The fact there is a difference between the two professions doesn't count for the interchange between them regarding changing career.
Isn't that being a Supreme Judge, but yes, you do have to be a solicitor/barrister these days to be a Judge.
You're saying being a solicitor is inferior to being a barrister?
On the basis of glitz and glam then
I can see right through you
You're just another TV-aholic seeing men in wigs and the court drama thinking thats the bomb , whereas 'boring ol' solicitors sit in a room typing stuff up all day
HOW shallow
Evil_Genius is right
You are putting superiority in similitude with desire
LeedsStude1
Some very good points ninon but may I ask you why you think people at the very first instance want to be lawyers - Do they have aspirations to sit in a big office doing corporate deals or do they see rumbole of the bailey etc and want to stand in front of a judge and advocate?
I believe that everyone starts off wanting to be a barrister but then knocks occur along the road – bad grades, wanting jobs security etc - that force people to settle for a career as a solicitor. Highlighting the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor is all very well but the majority of people don’t have the luxury to choose between the two.
Am I talking rubbish or have other people different views. I would be really interested to hear them.
I believe that everyone starts off wanting to be a barrister but then knocks occur along the road – bad grades, wanting jobs security etc - that force people to settle for a career as a solicitor. Highlighting the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor is all very well but the majority of people don’t have the luxury to choose between the two.
Am I talking rubbish or have other people different views. I would be really interested to hear them.
I teach law so have a fair measure of what motivates people to take different routes. Every individual has different reasons for their career path, however broadly speaking the aspirant solicitors I meet are drawn to the transactional nature of the job and the opportunity to work closely with the financial world and big business. The aspirant barristers on the other hand tend to be attracted to art of advocacy. These are very broad generalisations.
My students on the whole have excellent academics across the board, most go to the MC or the bar. Very many of my students who take TCs in the MC are rather more able than some of those who opt for the bar - those students certainly have the necessary qualifications to train for the bar should they choose to, however that is simply not where their calling lies.
Some of my students struggle to decide whether they would prefer to qualify as a solicitor or a barrister - I've known very bright people turn their back on a career at the bar precisely for the advantages of taking the solicitor route that I noted above.
In my experience your beliefs do not accord with the reality of the situation.
Edited to add that most people do base their career decisions on the differences between the two limbs of the profession rather than the romance of TV drama.
Additionally many of the students who chose to qualify as solicitors are actually interested in careers in the City and see qualifying as a solicitor as their preferred route to that - for these students the choice might have been between solicitor or investment banker, rather than solicitor or barrister.
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