Break Through The Bar

Chambers are looking for a range of qualities and evidence that you possess them. They tend to be quite open about what specific qualities they are assessing you for but.. what do they actually mean? 

Here’s what the key criteria really mean, and how you can actually try to evidence them.

Commitment and Motivation

Demonstrate that you understand what it takes to be a barrister and that you have been proactive in both enhancing that understanding, and seeking opportunities to enhance your skillset to allow you to be successful at the bar.

Examples:

• Work experience
• Mini-pupillage
• Marshalling
• Attending events

Advocacy Skills

Ability to present arguments clearly, persuasively and logically. This can be orally or in writing.

Examples:

• Mooting
• Mock trials

Organisational Skills

Barristers juggle competing deadlines, commitments and need to stay on top of their papers and time. Good organisation ensures accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.

Examples:

• Managing different commitments
• Handling workloads
• Organising tasks at work

Communication Skills

The ability to communicate clearly and effectively, often to a wide variety of people.

Examples:

• Leadership and teamwork
• Resolving issues
• Talking to cross-sections of society

Interpersonal Skills

Barristers work closely with clients (sometimes vulnerable), clerks, solicitors, and other barristers. You need empathy, diplomacy, and the ability to gain trust while maintaining professionalism.

Examples:

• Dealing with difficult clients or situations
• Supporting vulnerable clients
• Building rapport
• Customer service experience
• Volunteer work

Analytical Thinking

The ability to dissect complex facts and law, identify issues, and apply legal principles to reach a clear conclusion. Also involves problem-solving and anticipating counterarguments.

Examples:

• Dissertations
• Work experience (case files/large bundles)
• Problem solving

Integrity

Barristers must act honestly, uphold ethical duties to the court, and maintain client confidentiality. Chambers need to know you will never mislead, cut corners, or compromise professional standards.

Examples:

• Reporting errors
• Owning up to mistakes
• Demonstrating fairness
• Acting ethically even at personal cost

They want to see a strong moral compass and adherence to professional ethics.