Barristers

• There are around 13,500 barristers practicing privately in England and Wales and around 3,000 working for an organisation.
• Barristers are often referred to as "the bar" and are represented by the General Council of the Bar, known as the Bar Council.
• All barristers must be a member of one of the four Inns of Court:

  • Lincoln's Inn
  • Inner Temple
  • Middle Temple
  • Gray's Inn
• Around 10% of barristers are King's Counsel and are considered more experienced and will usually take on more complicated or high-profile cases. They need 10 years as a barristers and applications are made to the selection panel.
• Barristers can be sued for negligence since 1980 and they can also be sued for breach of contract.
• Barristers are self-employed and normally work from chamber where they can share administrative expenses.
• Majority of barristers concentrate on advocacy.
• All barristers will do an amount of paperwork, writing opinions on cases, giving advice, and drafting documents for use in court.
• In criminal trials, there are prosecution and defence barristers.
• Prosecution barristers are instructed by the CPS and will advice on the success of the charges being brought.
• Defence barristers will consult with the solicitor who has dealt with the defendant and present the case and appeal which may occur.
• Barristers in civil cases will specialise in a field and can negotiate settlements and present arguments in court/appeal.