Pursuing a career in the legal profession is a dream for many people. Others simply drift into this field because they are unsure what else to do. If you have ever considered a career as a barrister, you need to take the time to learn more about this path. This way, you can decide whether or not it is right for you.
Becoming a barrister is a difficult and time-consuming endeavor. While many people may begin this journey, only a small fraction will succeed to the degree that barrister Michael Wolkind QC has. You need to be sure that this is what you want to do with your life, or else you may end up wasting a lot of time and energy.
A key part of being a barrister is standing in court and advocating for your clients. You must be able to feel comfortable doing so. Excellent speaking skills and a mastery of rhetoric are qualities that a successful barrister must possess.
Remember, you need to be able to persuade the jury that the facts are on your side. Even if you have doubts or are unsure, you must project a sense of confidence. A barrister who seems to doubt his client, or who wavers in court, is a barrister who will not win many cases.
Being able to think on your feet and deal with high stress situations are also qualities that are vital for your success. After all, no matter how well-prepared you may be, what happens in the courtroom is always unpredictable. When something happens that you did not expect, you have to be able to improvise and deal with it right away.
Once you have read law at university, the next step in your career is to begin preparing for the Bar Professional Training Course, or BPTC. This one-year course is designed to teach what you need to know to become a barrister. You will focus on such subjects as writing opinions, advocacy (both civil and criminal), and professional ethics. You will also have to join one of the four Inns of the Court.
To advance in your career, you will also have to secure a pupillage. Remember, a career as a barrister is a very competitive occupation. You will be competing for a very limited number of spaces with many other skilled candidates. Make sure that this path is right for you before you begin to pursue it.
