Barrister – Cloister, London

Jason wanted to be a barrister from a very young age. He loved TV programs and films about lawyers, such as “Inspector Morse” and the American shows like “Suits.” His favourite book is “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, which is about a lawyer.  

Jason Galbraith-Marten is a QC (Queen’s Counsel). To be a good barrister, you need an inquisitive mind. You must be curious, detail-oriented, and willing to work hard independently. All practicing barristers are self-employed, so you need to be a “self-starter.” 

A university degree is required, but it doesn’t have to be in law. Many people begin with other subjects and then convert to law by completing a one-year Graduate Diploma in Law. Following that, you must complete a one-year vocational course called the Bar Professional Training Course, which teaches the practical skills needed to be a barrister. Then, you undertake a year of pupillage, which is on-the-job training, like an apprenticeship. While funding the training can be daunting, various forms of assistance are available. Approximately £6 million in scholarship awards are granted annually, primarily for the vocational stage (the Bar course). However, awards are also available for the conversion course and pupillage. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need. Pupillage takes place within a barrister’s chambers. To secure pupillage, you must complete an application form and attend interviews, potentially two or three. At Jason’s chambers, they administer a test during the first interview. It’s not focused on law, but rather on assessing your thinking and problem-solving abilities. If you excel at puzzles, you’ll likely do well. 

Most London barristers are affiliated with chambers located near Covent Garden, within one of the Inns of Court: Inner Temple, Middle Temple, Gray’s Inn, and Lincoln’s Inn. Barristers also work in other cities, such as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Bristol.  

Although barristers are self-employed, each chambers functions like a firm or business with its own distinct character.  

Our legal system relies on barristers to represent their clients to the best of their ability and advocate strongly for them. 

The best aspect of being a barrister is the satisfaction of a successful outcome, such as winning a case or negotiating a favourable settlement. This provides a genuine sense of making a difference in people’s lives.