Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Qualification Level
Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
A barrister is a legal advocate who argues cases in civil, criminal, and industrial courts. Solicitors brief them to appear in higher courts. Their deep grasp of court rules and evidence law gives clients strong representation in complex matters.
The work falls into three areas: case prep, in-court advocacy, and legal opinions. Case prep means reading case law and statutes, drafting pleadings, and building arguments. In court, barristers question witnesses, make submissions, and argue points of law before judges.
Most barristers focus on one area of law, such as business disputes, criminal defence, or administrative law. Senior practitioners may seek appointment as King’s Counsel or Senior Counsel. This mark of high standing is awarded by the relevant Attorney-General.
Entry needs a law degree, legal training, and admission to the Bar. Candidates must also finish a Bar Readers’ Course in their state. A period under a senior barrister, called readership, prepares them for solo practice.
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