How to Become a Barrister

 

⚖ Pathway 1: How to Become a Barrister

✅ Step 1: Obtain an Eligible Law Qualification

• Law degree (LL.B.) from a UK university
  OR

• Non-law degree + conversion course (formerly the Graduate Diploma in Law, GDL)

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✅ Step 2: Join an Inn of Court
There are four Inns:

• Lincoln’s Inn

• Gray’s Inn

• Inner Temple

• Middle Temple

You must join before starting Bar training. The Inns provide mentoring, scholarships, and networking.

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✅ Step 3: Complete Bar Training

• Formerly known as the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), now updated to Bar Training Course (BTC) or equivalent.

• Includes practical skills: advocacy, drafting, legal research, ethics, criminal and civil litigation.

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✅ Step 4: Be Called to the Bar

• After passing the Bar Training, you attend a formal ceremony at your Inn of Court to be called to the Bar.

• You are now officially a barrister — but you can’t yet practice independently.

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✅ Step 5: Complete Pupillage

• A 12-month apprenticeship under an experienced barrister in chambers or an approved organization.

• First six months: shadowing and observation.

• Second six months: you can take on your own cases (with supervision).

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✅ Step 6: Obtain Tenancy or Practice Certificate

• After pupillage, if successful, you apply for tenancy (a permanent place in chambers) or work as an employed barrister.

• You’ll need a practising certificate to take on independent work.

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⚖ Pathway 2: How to Become a Solicitor

✅ Step 1: Obtain a Law Qualification

• Law degree (LL.B.) or

• Non-law degree + law conversion (formerly GDL)

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✅ Step 2: Pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

• Introduced in 2021, the SQE replaces the old Legal Practice Course (LPC) and other pathways.

• SQE 1 → Tests functioning legal knowledge (multiple-choice and legal problem-solving).

• SQE 2 → Assesses practical legal skills (interviewing, advocacy, legal drafting, case analysis).

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✅ Step 3: Complete Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)

• 2 years of work experience in up to four organizations (law firms, in-house, clinics, or other approved settings).

• More flexible than the old training contract system.

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✅ Step 4: Apply for Admission as a Solicitor

• Once you’ve passed SQE 1 and 2 and completed QWE, apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for admission.

• Must also meet character and suitability requirements.

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📊 Summary Comparison

Stage	Barrister Pathway	Solicitor Pathway
Initial degree	Law degree or non-law + GDL	Law degree or non-law + GDL
Professional training	Bar Training Course (BTC)	Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
Work experience	12-month pupillage	2 years Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
Final qualification	Called to the Bar + practising certificate	Admitted as solicitor by the SRA
Regulator	Bar Standards Board (BSB)	Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

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🌟 Additional Notes

• Solicitor-Advocates → Solicitors who get extra accreditation for higher court advocacy.

• Direct Access Barristers → Barristers who can take cases directly from the public without a solicitor.

• International lawyers → May have to follow special routes if they want to qualify in England & Wales, depending on their home jurisdiction.