Barristers Flashcards
Key facts about barristers:
All barristers work independently and are collectively referred to as ‘the Bar’.
Controlled by their own professional body – the General Council of the Bar.
Must be members of one of the four ‘Inns of Court’ in London.
Education requirements to become a barrister:
Degree based, although there is a non-degree route for mature students.
All candidates must pass the Bar Professional Training Course.
A 12 month period of ‘pupillage’ follows, (like on-the-job training). After 6 months shadowing a qualified barrister, they can appear in court and conduct their own cases.
Lawyers doing advocacy in the higher courts must be accredited, levels 1-4 (depending on the seriousness of the case) by the Quality Assurance Scheme for advocates.
What are the four inns of court?
Grey’s inn
Lincoln’s inn
Middle temple
Inner temple
What is the ‘cab rank rule’?
A barrister cannot turn down a case if they are free and if it is in the area of law that they deal with – ‘the cab rank rule’, however they can turn it down if approached directly by a client and if the case requires further investigation.
What are the key parts of the work of a barrister?
Barristers work independently and usually work from a set of chambers, where they share offices with maybe 10-15 others.
Most advocate in court, although some are company or tax specialists that rarely appear in court.
Barristers can either be directly approached by a client, contacted by a solicitor on behalf of a client, or assigned to a client in a criminal prosecution case if the defendant has no representative.
What are the regulatory bodies for barristers?
The General Council of the Bar
Bar Standards Board
What is the Bar Standards Board?
Regulates professional standards.
Investigates alleged breaches in codes of conduct.
Can impose sanctions, including striking off, suspending or fining barristers.
The General Council of the Bar
Represents the interests of the profession as a whole. It acts as a sort of trade union.
Promotes fair access to justice for all, equality and diversity, as well as business opportunities at home and abroad.
Can you sue a barrister?
You can only sue a barrister if it is for negligence.
