How long to become a barrister

I already have a Bsc degree Computer Science/Economics and Msc in Economics and Finance. I want to become a barrister, I would like to know how long it will take me to become one. Thank you.

Reply 1

Stiffy Byng

Original post by Legally Curious

I already have a Bsc degree Computer Science/Economics and Msc in Economics and Finance. I want to become a barrister, I would like to know how long it will take me to become one. Thank you.

The answer is at least three years but probably longer.

Year one: study for and pass the exams to obtain a PGDL.

Year two: Study for and pass the Bar Exams.

You can then be called to the Bar by one of the four Inns of Court (after complying with some now fairly minimal requirements as to dining in the Inn and attending an advocacy training weekend at Cumberland Lodge, a big house in Windsor Great Park)

Year three: do pupillage with one or more barristers who have at least five years experience.

After six months of pupillage, you are permitted to appear in court for a fee and to do other paid work for clients. After twelve months of pupillage, you are fully qualified and can obtain a practising certificate. You will hope to be taken on as a tenant by the chambers where you did your pupillage, or to find a tenancy at another set of chambers (this may require a further period of pupillage).

Year three may become year four, five, or even six. It can take two or three annual rounds of applications to obtain a pupillage. Some people who are called to the Bar never find a pupillage and instead become solicitors, paralegals, or leave the law altogether. Competition for pupillage is Hobbesian.

Good luck!