Barristers & Judges

Job holders in this unit group prepare and conduct court cases on behalf of clients, preside over judicial proceedings, and pronounce judgements within a variety of court settings and tribunals.

Tasks

• Becomes acquainted with the facts of a case through reading statements, law reports, and consulting with clients or other professionals
• Advises client on the basis of legal knowledge, research and past precedent as to whether to proceed with legal action
• Drafts pleadings and questions in preparation for court cases, appears in court to present evidence to the judge and jury, cross examines witnesses and sums up why the court should decide in their client’s favour
• Hears, reads and evaluates evidence, and instructs or advises the jury on points of law or procedure
• Conducts trials according to rules of procedure, announces the verdict and passes sentence and/or awards costs and damages.

Entry Requirements

Entry to training requires a qualifying law degree or postgraduate diploma. Entrants then undertake a one year Bar Vocational Course followed by pupillage in one of the Inns of Court. The system for training of advocates in Scotland requires a postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice followed by two years’ training as a solicitor. The position of judge is obtained by appointment of those who have substantial post-qualifying experience in legal practice.