Barristers and judges

£51,621

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2020 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

28 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2019 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

1.63%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Barristers and judges

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 2412

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.

Common tasks include:

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.

Qualifications

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.

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Barristers and judges

Regional employment: Barristers and judges

Future employment: Barristers and judges

Top 12 industries: Barristers and judges

Alternative & related job titles: Barristers and judges

Justice of the Peace Judge, district Prosecutor, Crown Registrar, court, county Chairman Barrister-at-law Referee, official (legal services) Member of the Inner Temple Advocate, crown Coroner Advocate Queen's Counsel Procurator fiscal Writer to the Signet Master (high courts) Judge (legal services) Magistrate Counsel, Queen's Registrar, probate Sheriff (Scottish Courts) Judge, circuit Barrister Solicitor of the Supreme Court Advocate, legal Clerk, sheriff QC Recorder (legal services) Registrar (legal services) JP Sheriff-substitute (Scottish Courts)

Equality focus: Barristers and judges

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.