Better to be a barrister or not?

Question

Hi,

I’m an A-level student studying maths, chemistry, history and German. I’ve got 4 A grades at AS level and looking for the same at A2.

I want to study law and I’m aiming high, but the idea of working alone as a criminal barrister sounds lonely and from my experiences, it’s ‘not for me’. The idea of working in a large, international law firm as an employee (not self-employed as barristers) appeals much more to my desires.

Does this mean that I should aim to be a solicitor or can barristers also join companies as employees? I’ve been told if I can make it and become a barrister, I should – but the work doesn’t seem all that ‘attractive’!

I would appreciate some comments on this issue!

Thanks.

Answer 1

From what i know barristers are 1 up from lawyers so lawyers can join companys so im pretty sure barristers could joina  company  

Answer 2

I will try to give to an accurate and brief account of the work of a solicitor and barrister:

BTW - do not study law at A-Levels as it is not a wise topic as more and more law firms do not recognise the topic. Study another topic.

Firstly, it depends on what area of law you work in as to whether it is "for you" and in terms of the skills needed. This is something you will get to find more about as you study more and get experience in a work environment.

Secondly, becomming a barrister is incredibly hard at first as there is huge competition. Unless you have 3 A's at A-Levels, a first at degree from a top 10 univeristy, work experience, you will find it incredibly hard to secure training to qualify as a barrister. Chambers (where barristers work) is also full of snobs, middle class men. Its a fact. Barristers work in chambers and have solicitors as their clients.

Barristers do end up earning more and in some situations, hundreds of thousands with the top QC's earning million+.

Barristers are usuaully specialists and work on their own most of the time in chambers with the remaining in court or a tribunal (depending on what they do)

Thirdly, solicitors work in teams and in offices. They have clients that are individuals, companies, governments etc etc who pay their fees. Again it depends on what area you work in as to how it is.

Solicitors can earn lots of money but it depends on what area you work in.

Both solicitors and barristers can work "in house". That is what you refer to as "join companies as employees". An in-house lawyer is someone who is legally qualified but does not work for chambers or a law firm but a specific company. Like BT, Tesco, EDF, Barclays Bank etc tec.

Generally, someone who works in chambers or for a law firm, earns mroe money than someone who works in-house. But those who work for a firm or for chambers, work long hours whereas those who work in-house have better work-life balance.

Remember, it all depends what area of law you work in as to how it actually is.

Check the following websites:

Lawcareers.net

The Lawyer

Legal Week

Answer 3

I think you need a wider perspective.  Barristers in private practice work in a very wide range of fields.  They are self-employed but chambers is not a lonely place.  You need to do a number of mini-pupillages at a few sets of barristers chambers to get a better fell for what it's like.

Many barristers are employed in law firms and companies.

Your real choice, I'd suggest, is not between being a barrister or solicitor but (i) the field of law you'd like to work in and (ii) whether you'd like to be employed or self-employed.    

Until you have some experience of either, your choice will be made on the basis of misconceptions - and those misconceptions are showing in the phrasing of your question.

Answer 4

It is very early days for deciding on which branch of the profession appeals to you more and many lawyers who have chosen to go in one direction have subsequently transferred to the other branch. Most barristers, in fact, don't work in private practice and there are many opportunities for employed barristers. The lines of distinction between barrister and solicitor have been relaxed considerably over recent years and there are more openings for barristers than was previously the case in commerce and industry. This link may help in that it gives access to further links which might provide useful information. http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/help...

Answer 5

I think you should do an LLB, and decide from thier.  I'm a law student and I have decided that I would be best suited to becoming a solicitor.  

I have done a mini pupilage which I enjoyed, but I just felt that it was not for me.

Do and LLB, and decide from thier.

Answer 6

in the UK you will start off as a lawyer working for a firm you will then work up to being a Barrister where you then can still work for a firm or start your own firm or become a partner in the firm your at or join another firm as a partner