Barristers revision

II Barristers

Barristers are typically thought of as Advocates (those that speak in court).

However, barristers spend a great deal of time out of court.

Barristers are NOT permitted to work in partnerships.

Most Barristers work in a set of chambers.

Barristers can only meet with their client in the presence of the client’s solicitor.

II.1 Training and Tenancy
II.1.1 Academic Stage

Similar to solicitors must have a law degree (LLB) or a non-law degree followed by a Common Professional Examination (CPE).

II.1.2 Vocational Stage

After the academic stage there is a one-year bar vocational course (BVC).

HOWEVER, before commencing the BVC students must join one of the four Inns of Court. (Lincoln’s Inn, Gray’s Inn, Middle Temple and Inner Temple).

Students must familiarise themselves with the customs and traditions of their Inn. Students must dine at their Inn 12 times.

If the students pass the BVC they are then called to the Bar. (Ceremony where they receive a diploma. Kind of like a graduation.)

II.1.3 The apprenticeship: the ‘pupillage stage’

After the BVC there follows a one-year pupillage. This is like an apprenticeship for those who intend to become a practising barrister.

After this the successful Barristers apply to a set of chambers (basically an office.)

II.2 Practice as a barrister and rules
II.2.1 The role of a barrister

a) Employed Practice at the Employed Bar
These are Barristers that are employed by a firm. (The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), in the legal department of companies or by solicitor firms).

b) Independent Practice at the Bar of England and Wales
These are self-employed barristers. They pay rent to a chambers which offers clerical assistance (by clerks) which helps barristers to find cases to work on.

Clerks instruct barristers and offer help and advice.

The cab-rank rule refers to the obligation of a barrister to accept any work in a field