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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.


What could I earn?

Salaries for this occupation tend to start at £35,000 per annum and can progress up to £57,000 per annum.

Is it in growth or decline?

There are currently 3,165 employed Barristers & Judges in the region.

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Coronavirus update

Southwark College is closely monitoring all communications and guidance as it becomes available. This information is for students and staff and reflects updates from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Public Health England (PHE). We are prepared to escalate our contingency arrangements in the event of change.

The government is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to work with the WHO and international community. For staff and students, it remains business as usual across our sites and our workplaces.

Please note that, at present, this advice refers only to arrivals from Wuhan, and not the remainder of China. If you have returned from Wuhan you should:

General guidance for those planning visits to Wuhan or other destinations in China

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) maintains updated travel advice for those planning a trip to Wuhan or other destinations in China. This is available at:

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china

Note

This advice is derived from The Department of Health and Social Care will be publishing updated data on a daily basis at 2pm until further notice:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public#situation-in-the-uk

Supplementary Q&A for individuals wishing to know more around how the UK is managing the risk:

https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

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