Barrister
What does a barrister do?
You might be wondering 'what is a barrister and what’s involved in this career in law?'. Well, barristers are independent legal professionals with highly specialised knowledge in courtroom advocacy. As well as representing clients on legal matters in court, they oversee dispute resolutions outside of a courtroom setting. Barristers are self-employed practitioners however they often conduct their work in chambers alongside other barristers. Typically, a client will first go to a solicitor with their case who will then liaise with the barrister. After being briefed on a case, a barrister might provide legal advice, confer with clients and witnesses to prepare for court proceedings, or draw up pleas or court documents.
Is a career as a barrister right for me?
If you're passionate about law and justice and enjoy analysing complex information, constructing persuasive arguments and advocating on behalf of others, a career as a barrister could be right for you.
Other desirable skills and attributes of a barrister include:
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
A sound awareness and understanding of industry and trends.
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.
The ability to take initiative, demonstrate personal drive, and maintain a professional attitude.
Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.
The ability to work effectively in demanding, practical, or physically challenging environments.
How to become a barrister
To become a barrister in Queensland, you must first obtain a law degree from a recognised university and complete a supervised traineeship or approved practical legal training. The admission rules to become a barrister require you to pass the three Bar Examinations and enrol in the Bar Practice Course. Upon successful completion of these, you can apply for an Australian Practising Certificate (Barrister) which authorises you to practice law as a solicitor in private practice or as a corporate or government in-house solicitor. You must then undergo a readership period lasting no less than 12 months, under the guidance of two experienced barristers. From here, you will qualify as a barrister.
A common path to become a barrister include:
- Complete a Bachelor of Laws or another recognised law qualification.
- Complete approved Practical Legal Training (PLT) or a supervised traineeship and be admitted as a lawyer in Queensland.
- Pass the three Queensland Bar Examinations.
- Complete the Bar Practice Course and obtain a barrister's practising certificate.
- Undertake a supervised readership of at least 12 months under experienced barristers while commencing practice at the Bar.
Accreditation and qualifications
To become a barrister in Queensland, you must complete a recognised law qualification, undertake approved Practical Legal Training (PLT), and be admitted as a lawyer. You must then pass the Queensland Bar Examinations, complete the Bar Practice Course, obtain a practising certificate and undertake a period of supervised readership before practising independently as a barrister.
UniSQ's Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board, Queensland, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland as an approved academic qualification under the Supreme Court (Legal Practitioner Admission) Rules 2004 (Qld).
This degree will partially satisfy the requirements to practise as a lawyer in Queensland or elsewhere in Australia. Intending lawyers must also complete an approved practical legal training course in order to become admitted to practise law.
How long does it take to become a barrister?
The time it takes to become a barrister varies depending on your study and training pathway. In Queensland, you'll generally need to complete a law degree, undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT), be admitted as a lawyer, pass the Bar Examinations, complete the Bar Practice Course and undertake a period of supervised readership. For most people, this process takes around five to seven years or more.
Start your journey with UniSQ
Launch your barrister career with a UniSQ law degree and gain the practical legal, analytical and advocacy skills sought across the legal profession, government and the justice sector.
Responsibilities and work settings
Providing specialist legal advice and opinions to clients and solicitors.
Researching legislation, case law and legal precedents to support legal arguments.
Preparing court documents, submissions and legal strategies.
Representing clients and presenting arguments in courts, tribunals and hearings.
Examining witnesses and responding to legal arguments presented by opposing parties.
Negotiating settlements and advising clients on legal risks and outcomes.
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Barrister FAQs
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