What is a Barrister?

A barrister is a lawyer with specialist skills in representing clients in court or in a negotiation and advising on court processes.  Many barristers are specialists in particular areas of law, such as criminal law, corporations’ law, property law or personal injury.

Any lawyer can become a barrister.  Becoming a barrister is about your skills and abilities, not what school you went to or what ATAR you got.  The Bar has diverse membership from many ethnic backgrounds.  You can come to the Bar at any age – the youngest barristers are in their 20s and the oldest are in their 80s.  The Bar is short for the Victorian Bar which is the professional association representing over 2000 barristers in Victoria. 

So, how are barristers and solicitors different?  Barristers and solicitors are types of lawyers.  Solicitors are generally the first lawyer that a client will see to explain their legal problem.  Not all legal issues end up in court – for example, drafting a contract or a Will, or looking after buying and selling a house – so not all legal issues require the expertise of a barrister.

Find out more about becoming a barrister at Vic Bar - Student Engagement