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How to Become A Barrister

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What is a Barrister

A barrister argues cases in civil, criminal, and industrial courts. It is one of law’s most demanding careers. It needs sharp thinking, clear speech, and years of hard training.

Day to day, barristers prep for court by reading case law, drafting legal documents, and building arguments. In court, they question witnesses, cross-examine the other side, and argue before judges and juries. Outside court, they write legal opinions and advise on complex points of law.

Most barristers are self-employed and work from chambers. Solicitors send them cases and hand over the court work. This means barristers must build and run their own practice.

Barristers often focus on one area, such as criminal law, family law, or business disputes. The most experienced can apply to become King’s Counsel or Senior Counsel. This is the top level of the Australian Bar.

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Career Outlook for Barrister

About 8,900 people work as barristers in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026). Future demand is rated as strong by the Australian Government (YourCareer.gov.au, 2025). Barristers work mainly in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services and Public Administration and Safety. Most work full-time, averaging 48 hours a week (ABS, 2025).

Pay is high relative to most careers. Median full-time weekly earnings are $3,495, or around $182,000 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025). Entry-level practitioners earn less in their early years, but income grows with experience and specialisation. Senior barristers as King’s Counsel or Senior Counsel can earn well above average.

NSW employs the largest share of barristers at 39.5%, followed by Victoria at 28.9% and Queensland at 13.0% (ABS, 2025). The median age is 40 years, and 40% of the profession is female (ABS, 2025). Ongoing demand for legal services means strong job security. A clear path to senior roles makes this a fulfilling career choice.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Barrister

Step 1: Complete a Law Degree

Enrol in a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at an Australian university. Most LLB programs take 4-5 years full-time. They cover core subjects such as contracts, criminal law, property law, and evidence. Some students enter via a combined degree, such as a Bachelor of Commerce and Laws. If you already hold a non-law bachelor’s degree, you can do a Juris Doctor (JD) instead. The JD is a 3-year postgraduate law degree (confirm current details on courseseeker.edu.au).

Step 2: Complete Practical Legal Training

After your law degree, complete Practical Legal Training (PLT). This is usually done as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP), which takes 6-12 months full-time or part-time. PLT builds skills in client work, legal research, and file management. Providers include the College of Law, Leo Cussen Centre for Law, and many universities across Australia.

Step 3: Be Admitted to the Legal Profession

Apply for admission to the legal profession in your state or territory Supreme Court. You must show you meet the academic and good character requirements set by the relevant admitting authority. Once admitted, you are a lawyer. To practise as a barrister, you need further steps specific to the Bar.

Step 4: Complete the Bar Readers’ Course and Bar Examination

Complete the Bar Readers’ Course run by your state’s Bar Association. In NSW, this is run by the NSW Bar Association. In Victoria, the Victorian Bar runs the Readers’ Course. In Queensland, the Bar Association of Queensland runs the Bar Practice Course. These programs cover evidence, procedure, ethics, and court advocacy. You must also pass a bar examination to show your readiness for independent practice.

Step 5: Complete Readership and Obtain Your Practising Certificate

Complete a period of supervised practice under a senior barrister, called readership. This usually lasts 3-6 months and involves working on real cases under close guidance. Once readership is complete, apply for an Australian Practising Certificate (Barrister) from your state’s legal regulator. This certificate lets you practise independently as a barrister.

What does a Barrister do?

A barrister’s day is varied and fast-paced, with court appearances, research, and client work. Most mornings start with case prep, reviewing briefs, and refining arguments before court. In the courtroom, barristers present evidence, question witnesses, and argue their client’s case before a judge. Outside court, they write legal opinions, meet with clients and solicitors, and prepare for upcoming hearings. They also attend legal seminars and stay current with changes in the law. No two days are the same, making this one of the most stimulating careers in the legal field.

Tasks

A barrister plays a key role in Australia’s legal system, arguing cases in court and giving expert legal advice. They work across criminal, civil, and industrial matters, often briefed by solicitors for complex cases. Each day brings new challenges and the chance to make a real difference for clients.

  • Client consultation – Meeting with clients to discuss legal issues and gather case information.
  • Legal research – Researching case law, statutes, and precedents to build strong arguments.
  • Drafting legal documents – Preparing pleadings, briefs, and submissions for court proceedings.
  • Court representation – Representing clients in court, presenting arguments, and cross-examining witnesses.
  • Negotiation – Working with opposing parties to reach settlements and resolve disputes.
  • Case preparation – Organising evidence, preparing witnesses, and planning for upcoming trials.
  • Ongoing learning – Keeping up with legal changes through professional development.
  • Networking – Building relationships with other legal professionals in the legal community.

Skills for Success

Becoming a barrister takes years of study and hands-on work. Aspiring barristers must finish a law degree, pass the Bar Exam, and get an Australian Practising Certificate (Barrister). Most states need a Bar Readers’ Course before starting practice. These steps build the legal know-how needed to succeed.

On the job, barristers read complex legal papers, think fast in court, and write clear arguments. Strong public speaking and staying calm under pressure matter as much as knowing the law. Critical thinking and sound ethical judgement set great barristers apart.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong analytical skills
  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Persuasive argumentation
  • Legal research skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Strong ethical judgement
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Time management
  • Understanding of legal principles and procedures
  • Resilience and adaptability
  • Negotiation skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Public speaking
  • Teamwork and collaboration

Average Salaries

Barristers in Australia earn around $182,000 a year (median weekly earnings: $3,495, Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025). Entry-level barristers earn from around $80,000 in their first years. Senior barristers appointed as King’s Counsel or Senior Counsel can earn $500,000 or more.

min $80 K

max $500 K

av $182 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.