Late consideration of become a barrister - thoughts?

I graduated in 2012 with a law degree and have since been travelling etc. I now work in finance in the City and was looking at applying for training contracts this year now that I am settled.

My ambition was to become a solicitor so I obtained quite a few legal work placements (including an internship with the CPS) but most of my placements were with commercial firms.

However, over the last year and a half I have been involved in a criminal court case (won't go into details but I was quickly found not-guilty after a trial - explains the delay in applying for the law).

Rather than put me off law it has actually inspired me to consider the Bar. The whole experience was fascinating (in a weird way considering I was the focus of it).

Is it too late to consider becoming a barrister?

Could I perhaps use this experience to my advantage when applying? It's quite a unique insight but obviously there is a risk some people might think "oh they must be a bad apple to have been involved in such a thing".

Unusual post!

I don't quite know what to say! I think I would probably try and get hold of a couple of barristers and ask them what they think off the record.

I am inferring that you are interested in the criminal bar? If so, please do a lot of research before you go there - it is hugely under pressure and I believe shrinking rather rapidly.

Presumably you won't need to declare your experience given that you have been found not guilty. Therefore, are you better off not using it as a selling point? Is the fact that you have stood trial for a criminal act (and been found not guilty) really going to work in your favour?

Perhaps stick this query onto ROF as well - if you dare.

Your original question, is it too late to become a barrister - of course not. They are on average 29 I believe in any case. Don't worry about that! I expect you are more - ahem - well-rounded now, and a much more useful person to have about - good luck whatever you decide

It is a bit of an odd one and indeed there is no 'selling point'. However, it is probably the biggest insight I have had into the profession and court process!

With regards to making applications, my internship with the CPS was a few years ago so I'm not sure if I could be grilled on commitment to the profession? Working in London now I am not sure if it is possible to gain 'experience' as I am in full-time work"