How to Become a Barrister

If you’ve ever wondered how to become a barrister in England and Wales, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. Becoming a barrister is a challenging process that requires dedication, education, and training, but it can be an incredibly rewarding career for those passionate about law and advocacy.

In this guide, we’ll outline the key stages of qualifying as a barrister – from the academic qualifications you need, through vocational training, to the final on-the-job training. We’ll also cover important considerations like how long it takes, how much it costs, and tips to prepare for a successful career at the Bar.

Step 1 – Academic Qualifications (Your University Degree)

The first step to qualify as a barrister is completing the academic stage of training. In practice, this means you must earn a university degree. While it is common (and often advantageous) to complete a law degree (LLB) as your undergraduate course, it’s not strictly required to have a law degree initially. Here’s what you need to know:

A-Levels and School Preparation

To get into a good university law, you’ll need strong results in your post-16 qualifications (A-levels or equivalent). There are no specific A-level subjects mandated for law. However, subjects that develop your writing, analysis, and critical thinking – like English, History, Politics or languages – can be useful. Most top UK law schools require the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) as part of admissions, so plan ahead for that.

Learn more about the best GCSEs and A Levels for Law here.

Undergraduate Degree

You will need to complete an undergraduate degree and graduate with at least a lower second-class honours (2:2) or above. For aspiring barristers, a Qualifying Law Degree that covers the core legal subjects will enable you to progress straight to Step 2. A law degree typically takes three years of full-time study.

During an LLB degree in England and Wales, you’ll study foundational areas of law (like criminal law, contract law, tort, property law, public law, and more) which are required for the degree to be “qualifying” for barrister training purposes.

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Non-Law Graduates (Conversion Course)

If you choose to study a different subject for your degree (for example, History or Chemistry), you can still become a barrister. Many barristers first study a non-law subject they enjoy, then take a law conversion course after graduating. This conversion is usually called the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or now sometimes the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL). The GDL covers key legal subjects in an intensive one-year course, bringing you up to speed on core legal knowledge. Completing the GDL (or equivalent) makes you eligible to proceed to the next stage of barrister training.

Keep in mind that the academic stage is crucial not only for meeting formal requirements but also for building the knowledge base and skills you’ll need later. Aim for strong grades – as the Bar is so competitive, many chambers prefer at least an upper second-class honours (2:1), and to truly stand out, a first-class degree is recommended.

Step 2 – Bar Course (Vocational Training for Barristers)

After your degree (and a conversion course if needed), the next step is the vocational stage of training. This is a specialised postgraduate degree to prepare you for practice as a barrister.

Formerly known as the BPTC (Bar Professional Training Course), it’s now often called the Bar Course or Bar Training Course. This stage focuses on practical legal skills and knowledge required by barristers.

Enrolment Requirements

Before enrolling in a Bar Course, you must pass the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) and join one of the four Inns of Court. The BCAT is an aptitude test that assesses critical thinking and reasoning.

The Inns of Court (Gray’s Inn, Lincoln’s Inn, Inner Temple, and Middle Temple) are the professional societies for barristers. You should become a member of an Inn before starting the Bar Course – the Inn will support your training and will later call you to the Bar after completion.

What the Bar Course Covers

The Bar Course typically lasts one academic year full-time (or two years part-time). It is offered by accredited providers across England and Wales.

During this course, you will learn essential skills for barristers, such as courtroom advocacy (making legal arguments in court), drafting legal documents (like pleadings and opinions), interviewing clients, and understanding litigation procedure.

You’ll also study professional conduct and ethics. There are practical exams and assessments throughout the course, including some set by the Bar Standards Board.

Qualifying Sessions

Alongside the formal coursework, as a student member of an Inn of Court you must attend a number of “qualifying sessions” – educational or networking events (such as workshops, dinners, or lectures) organised by the Inns. You must complete these sessions as part of your training before you can be called to the Bar.

By the end of the Bar Course, if you pass all assessments and complete your Inn’s requirements, you will be called to the Bar in a ceremony at your Inn. This means you become a barrister in title. However, you cannot practise independently until you finish the next stage of training, pupillage.

Step 3 – Pupillage (On-the-Job Training)

Pupillage is the final stage of training – a year-long apprenticeship as a junior barrister. During pupillage you work under the supervision of experienced barristers and gradually learn to take on cases yourself.

Pupillage is divided into two parts commonly called the “first six” and “second six”, each lasting about six months.

Finding a Pupillage

You apply for pupillage placements typically during or immediately after your Bar Course. Most pupillages are advertised and applied for via the Pupillage Gateway, a central online application system.

Obtaining a pupillage is highly competitive, since the number of applicants far exceeds available spots. Strong academic results, relevant extracurriculars (like mooting or debating), and legal work experience (such as mini-pupillages, which are short work experience placements shadowing a barrister) can improve your chances. It’s common to need more than one round of applications to secure a pupillage, so perseverance is important.

First Six (Non-Practising)

In the first six months of pupillage, you do not represent clients in court on your own. You will shadow your pupil-supervisor and other barristers in chambers. This involves observing court hearings, assisting with case preparation and legal research, and learning the day-to-day workings of a barrister’s practice. It’s a mentorship period where you absorb as much as possible.

Second Six (Practising)

In the second six months, you obtain a provisional practising certificate which allows you to begin taking on your own clients and cases, under supervision. You might handle smaller cases in court or procedural hearings, while still having an experienced barrister available to guide you. This hands-on experience is where you truly start acting like a barrister, building confidence and practical know-how.

Pupillage Funding

Pupillage positions are paid. The Bar Standards Board requires a minimum pupillage award (currently around £22,000–£24,000 per year depending on location), and many chambers pay more than that. You can learn more about barrister salaries here.

By the end of the 12-month pupillage, if you have met all the necessary competencies, you will have completed your training and become a barrister. Your supervisor and chambers will sign off that you are competent to practise. Now you are ready to fully enter the profession.

Step 4 – Qualifying as a Barrister (Starting Your Practice)

Once you’ve completed pupillage, you are a fully qualified barrister and can practise in England and Wales. There are a few steps and choices as you transition from trainee to practising professional:

Practising Certificate

After pupillage, you’ll apply to the regulator (the Bar Standards Board) for a practising certificate. This licence confirms you’ve completed training and may now offer your services as a barrister.

Tenancy

In the barristers’ profession, most newly qualified barristers aim to become a tenant in a chambers. Tenancy is an offer of a permanent place in chambers, allowing you to continue working from there as a self-employed barrister.

Essentially, as a tenant you share the chambers’ facilities and support staff but are self-employed, earning your income from clients. If you impress during pupillage, your chambers might offer you tenancy. If not, you can apply to other chambers.

Employed Barrister Roles

Not all barristers are self-employed in chambers. Some take up roles as employed barristers, working in-house for organizations like the government (for example, the Crown Prosecution Service or Government Legal Department), companies, or charities.

As an employed barrister, you’ll still advocate and give legal advice, but you have a salaried position within an organisation rather than freelance work.

Continued Development

Even after qualifying, your learning continues. Barristers must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year to keep their knowledge and skills sharp. Early in your career you’ll still be learning from every case and from more senior colleagues.

Over time, barristers often develop expertise in specific areas of law and may work towards higher positions (for example, becoming a King’s Counsel (KC) – a senior barrister – or eventually a judge).

How Long Does It Take to Become a Barrister?

How long does it take to become a barrister? The process is lengthy and requires several stages of education and training. For most people, it takes five to six years after finishing secondary school to qualify, assuming things go smoothly.

If you study law at university

3 years for an LLB undergraduate degree, + 1 year Bar Course, + 1 year pupillage = about 5 years post-secondary education.

If you study a non-law subject first

3 years non-law degree, + 1 year GDL conversion, + 1 year Bar Course, + 1 year pupillage = about 6 years in total. (Part-time study or retaking any stage will lengthen this.)

Do note that not everyone goes straight through without breaks. It’s common for aspiring barristers to take an extra year or more if they don’t secure a pupillage immediately, or sometimes to do a master’s degree or other work experience in between. But in general, expect a commitment of around half a decade from university onward to reach the goal.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Barrister?

Becoming a barrister involves investing in education and professional training, and it can be expensive. Here’s a rough breakdown of major costs.

Stage	Cost
Undergraduate degree	~£28,500 for a 3-year degree
Law conversion course	£8,000-12,000 for a 1-year course
Bar course	£12,000-20,000 for a 1-year course
Inn membership and exams	£300-500

Funding and scholarships

Don’t be put off by the costs; there is significant financial support available. The Inns of Court collectively award several million pounds in scholarships each year to help students with the GDL and Bar Course fees.

Universities and charities also offer scholarships or bursaries. Additionally, UK students can use government student loans for undergraduate studies and postgraduate loans for the GDL or Bar Course. Many aspiring barristers work part-time or save up funds as well. With careful planning, many students manage the costs of becoming a barrister.

Tips for Aspiring Barristers (Aged 15–18)

If you’re in school and considering a career as a barrister, here are some tips to set you on the right path:

Excel in Academics

Focus on achieving strong grades in your GCSEs and A-Levels (or equivalent). Entry into good universities and later into Bar training is competitive. While no specific subjects are required, choosing some that build skills in essay writing, analysis, and communication (for example, English or History) can be helpful.

Learn more about the best GCSEs and A Levels for Law.

Build Communication Skills

Barristers need to argue persuasively and write clearly. Join your school’s debate club, public speaking competitions, or mock trial programmes if available. These activities improve your confidence in arguing a point and thinking on your feet – excellent preparation for the courtroom.

Learn About the Legal System

Take the initiative to learn how law and courts work. You could read introductory books about the legal system, follow major court cases in the news, or even visit a local court to watch proceedings (many hearings are public). Seeing real barristers in action can be inspiring and informative.

Seek Work Experience

Any legal work experience you can find is valuable. While still at school, you might arrange a short internship or shadowing at a local law firm or attend career insight days. Once at university, aim to do one or more mini-pupillages – these short placements let you shadow a barrister and are often available to students in their later university years. They provide a taste of a barrister’s working life and help you make informed career choices.

Find Mentors and Stay Determined

Consider connecting with programmes or schemes that support aspiring law students (for example, some Inns and Bar associations have mentoring schemes). A mentor can offer advice and motivation.

Stay resilient. The journey to the Bar is competitive and even strong candidates face setbacks. If you’re committed to becoming a barrister, keep improving and don’t give up. Determination and passion go a long way.

In summary, becoming a barrister in England and Wales requires dedication across many years of study and training. It is challenging and competitive, yet for those who love the law, it’s a uniquely rewarding profession. With hard work, proper guidance, and perseverance, qualifying as a barrister is an achievable goal. Good luck with your journey towards the Bar!on the commercial interests of their firm. That’s a difficult balance to strike and it requires serious thought and care.

Applying for Law at University?

You’ll need to study Law at university if you want to become a barrister. Luckily, our law admissions consultants can help. We’ve been helping students get into top universities for law since 1999.

With expert support on everything from LNAT prep to personal statements and interviews, our consultants can give your application the edge. Book a free consultation with our friendly team today to discuss how we can support your application.