Question

1. Why do you want to be train as a Barrister?

Answer 1

I want to be trained as a barrister to bring justice to people. Because justice delayed is justice denied

Answer 2

Answer:

One of the things about having a search function is that it reveals what you haven’t written about, as well as what you have. I was surprised to find that I hadn’t covered this topic and I thought it might be useful if I did. I know that you all want to be barristers, but there is nothing wrong with articulating the reasons why – it often clarifies thinking and sheds new light on decisions yet to be made. It is also important because in recent years many of the city firms have recruited on the basis that you can join them and do nothing but advocacy.

Of course, for every advantage there tends to be a disadvantage and it is sensible to take those disadvantages into account when deciding on career paths. So, in no particular order I have listed below the factors that make the Bar appealing in my view. I have added, at the end of the post, some good reasons not to go to the Bar.

1. I work for myself. For me, this is the number one issue. I have no objection to being beholden to someone to do the best job I possibly can – that is how barristers feel towards their clients. But I want my success measured by how well I do my job, not by how well I get on in the office. I do not want to feel that advancement requires the approbation of someone I dislike or don’t rate. I want to keep the money I earn instead of what someone else thinks I’m worth of the money I earn. I actually don’t mind calling someone ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ but I want to chose who that person is and the criteria adopted. I want to take the key decisions at the key moments. All those things together make my life rich, interesting and exciting
2. Linked to the above, I want control over my practice. Now, of course, there are some people who do have an influence over professional advancement and there are equally areas over which barristers have little control. But I decide what type of work I do and whether to take opportunities offered or whether those opportunities are to be passed up. I decide if I will take the fee on offer for a particular (non-criminal) case. Even junior barristers can do this – it is always a struggle with your clerk but it is one that can be won.
3. I enjoy the camaraderie. The Bar in the provinces is an intensely friendly profession. We know the tiny, tiny minority who cannot be trusted and everyone else gets on. Your colleagues will cheerfully help you with your work, give you advice on how to approach the Judge with a tricky point and point you in the direction of recent authority. They will also gossip like mad (it’s a small profession) and laugh their heads off as you get a nose ender in cross-examination. You can fearlessly discuss your worst point with your opponent, knowing that he will not misuse the information – and you can often thereby save clients time, anguish and money.