role of barristers

what do they work in?

in chambers (offices where they work together sharing administrative expenses) most chambers are fairly small with around 15-20 barristers. Although they work together in chambers, these barristers are self employed.

where do they work?

local government such as the legal department of local councils and some in large private companies. the crown prosecution service also employs some barristers to prosecute cases in the criminal courts.

the pupil

unqualified and training on pupillage

the junior barrister

fully qualified and often very experienced

the K.C

(King’s counsel) most senior barrister with at least 10 years experience and take on the most difficult and high paying cases. specially appointed by an independent selection panel.

advocacy

most barristers are mainly involved with advocacy in the superior courts (Crown court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court) as well as rights of audience in the lower courts.

drafting

barristers are also involved drafting legal documents for client often referred by solicitors who require a specialist

opinions

barristers are often asked for written opinions, on difficult areas of law that clients need advice on

brief

if a solicitor gives a barristers a “brief” on behalf of a client, he will have to go through the barristers clerk who is like an office manager.

cab-rank

the clerk will then appoint an available barrister with relevant experience from the chambers to take on the case the “cab-rank” rule will then apply. this means the barrister cannot refuse to do a case he is considered suitable for. this ensures everyone can get legal representation.