Do you need a degree to be a barrister in England?

Asked by: Prof. Neoma Barrows  |  Last update: December 31, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (55 votes)

You could do a degree in law to become a barrister. You also have the option to do a degree in any subject and complete a Graduate Diploma in Law afterwards. Once you've graduated, you need to complete: the Bar Professional Training Course which takes one year.

Can you become a barrister without a law degree in the UK?

What do I need to become a barrister? This stage involves studying either a law degree or non-law degree. This stage involves studying a law degree such as our LLB or our LLB with Business. However, you can still become a barrister without studying law.

How do I become a barrister in England?

The academic study of the law in England and Wales is a very important part of the knowledge expected of all barristers. To complete the academic component of training, you need either a law degree or a non-law degree and the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). Your degree needs to be a minimum of a 2:2.

Can you be a lawyer in the UK without a law degree?

It is perfectly possible to become a solicitor and pursue a legal career in the UK without completing a three-year Law degree. An SQE preparation course, such as Barbri's, will help you to pass the exam and so provide you with sufficient skills and knowledge to become an effective solicitor.

How much does a UK barrister earn?

An average barrister salary in London is anything from £50,000 to £200,000 based on five years' experience, but as there are many areas of law, this can vary. For those with over ten years' experience, earnings can range from £65,000 to £1,000,000. Those based in London and bigger cities will often earn more too.

Why I Decided to Be a Barrister - How To Be a Barrister - Be a Barrister in uk

31 related questions found

What is the difference between a barrister and a lawyer in England?

In the legal system of England and Wales, both solicitors and barristers are legal professionals who have distinct roles and responsibilities. The main difference is that a barrister defends people in Court through effective public speaking and advocacy, while a solicitor does legal work outside Court.

What country pays barristers the most?

10 Highest Paying Countries for Lawyers
  • Australia – Average Annual Salary (AUD 119,278) ...
  • New Zealand – Average Annual Salary (NZD 84,047) ...
  • Netherlands – Average Annual Salary (EUR 65,000) ...
  • Ireland – Average Annual Salary (EUR 77,148) ...
  • Switzerland – Average Annual Salary (CHF 140,000)

What is the difference between a barrister and a solicitor?

Barristers are specialists in advocacy, wearing wigs and gowns whilst representing clients in higher courts. Whilst solicitors handle day-to-day legal work, barristers are typically brought in for complex court proceedings and specialist opinions.

Can a foreigner be a lawyer in England?

If you're an overseas student, in order to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, you'll need to: hold a degree in any subject or an equivalent qualification (such as an apprenticeship) or work experience. complete two stages of assessment, SQE1 and SQE2. complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE)

How hard is the bar exam?

The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.

How long is the barrister course in the UK?

It takes one year to complete a Bar course if you study full time, but two-year, part-time options are available. The amount of time you spend in the classroom will vary but on full-time courses you can expect between 10 and 16 hours a week.

Which degree is best for a barrister?

How do you become a barrister
  • study an accredited undergraduate law degree and pass with at least an upper second-class (2.1) or above.
  • take one of the new Bar vocational courses (some undergraduate law degrees will already include the vocational component).

How hard is the bar exam in the UK?

Remember, the bar exam is not easy. If you have a job, we would advise you to take some time off work. Prepare a list of excellent materials for study. Understand the materials and then do your best to memorize the most important parts of these materials.

How can a foreigner become a barrister in the UK?

Qualified Foreign Lawyers from another jurisdiction who want to practise in England and Wales as barristers are required to submit an application to the Bar Standards Board (BSB). This application provides evidence of their legal qualifications.

How old is the youngest barrister in the UK?

18 year-old called to the Bar this week

An 18 year-old has become the youngest person in the history of the English and Welsh legal system to be called to the Bar.

Can South African lawyers work in the UK?

Will my overseas qualifications be recognised? Degree, diploma and certificate qualifications in law or legal support fields gained in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or Canada are generally recognised. However, to practice as a lawyer you would need to be admitted to the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales.

Are lawyers in demand in England?

Corporate lawyers are in high demand, driven by the UK's dynamic business environment. Companies, both large and small, require legal expertise to navigate complex regulations, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and corporate governance.

How many years does it take to become a lawyer in the UK?

How long it takes. It usually takes at least six years to qualify as a solicitor if you study law full time. It will be longer if you study a different subject for your degree and decide later you want to follow a legal career.

How much does a barrister earn in the UK?

Self-employed barristers with more than ten years' experience earn between £100,000 to £300,000 depending on their area of practice. A small percentage of barristers at the top end of the profession earn between £500,000 to £1million. Employed barristers can expect to earn from £90,000 to in excess of £150,000.

What is the difference between a barrister and a solicitor in New Zealand?

What's the difference? Classically, Barristers have specialised in courtroom work and giving expert legal opinions. Solicitors, on the other hand have traditionally worked as office-based lawyers. In family law, barristers and solicitors do pretty much the same thing, but there are differences.

How much do solicitors earn in the UK?

Starting salaries for newly qualified solicitors in private practices typically range from £28,000 to £69,000. This can rise to between £35,000 and £65,000 for those with one-to-three years' experience and around £38,000 to £85,000 for those with four-to-eight years' experience, depending on your location.

What is the richest type of lawyer in the UK?

You'll find the highest salaries in areas such as commercial and corporate law, while family and personal injury law are less likely to draw big-figure salaries.

Which field in law makes the most money?

Trial Lawyer

There is the most competition arising profession in the legal career and also the most paying one. The salary and other benefits may vary according to the job location and relevance of the case. Delhi and Mumbai are the two high paying job locations.

Which country pays doctors the most?

The following are the best countries that offer lucrative job opportunities for doctors and allow them to grow professionally.
  • Switzerland. Switzerland tops the chart when it comes to the highest-paying countries for doctors and related healthcare professionals. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Luxembourg. ...
  • USA. ...
  • Ireland. ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Austria. ...
  • Belgium.