Eloquence As we saw above, the ability to communicate is the fundamental tool of the trade. The better you are at communicating, the better a lawyer you’ll be. Again, the fact that a barrister must regularly stand up and talk in court means that this skill is more important at the Bar but it’s still a key part of practising as a solicitor. Sociability The law is a sociable profession in which you can expect to meet large numbers of people from all walks of life. Crucially, you must be able to get on with your clients and other lawyers with whom you work. The legal community is intimate and sometimes close-knit; it helps to be able to get on and interact well with others. Self-reliance You’ll need a fair amount of self-reliance and self-belief whatever you do in law. Solicitors generally have a more definite career structure, but after a certain point it becomes dog eat dog at many firms. As a barrister, though, you’re literally on your own: it’s your career and you’ve got to make it happen, make the most of it and deal with the quiet times. If you’re somebody who craves structure and order, then think again. Intellectual curiosity In reality, the area of law in which you end up will be the greatest driver of the intellectual content of your work. However, if you want to be a serious analyst and provider of opinions on heavyweight points of law, then the Bar may be for you. Finances Quite clearly, it’s right and proper that a career in the law should be available to all.
That said, the relevant course fees (especially at postgraduate level) mean that it’s not uncommon for individuals to end up with debts of well over £45,000. Before you rack up this kind of bill, be realistic about your job prospects. And don’t forget that upcoming changes to the way solicitors and barristers qualify will affect the costs of pursuing this career. There’s more on that in the ‘Postgraduate training’ section. Enthusiasm for dressing up Do you like wearing gowns and wigs? Do you feel that panto should be staged all year round? The Bar values tradition above virtually any other calling and the recognisable outfits reflect this. Solicitors’ dress is much more standard work wear, with some firms opting for a ‘dress for your day’ policy.
Commitment to social justice There remain many commendable
organisations and individuals in the legal profession who work tirelessly to overturn injustice and ensure that right prevails. Many will be involved in something socially useful (ie, pro bono). If changing the world and helping people’s lives is at the core of your desire to become a lawyer you’ll probably want to consider the barrister route and do some thorough research into areas such as human rights and criminal law. Further reading Solicitors – www.lawcareers.net/solicitors Barristers – www.lawcareers.net/barristers In these sections you can read about the day-to-day life and work of solicitors and barristers at various firms and chambers.
Reality check: The decision as to which strand suits you best rests on a number of factors concerning your abilities, temperament and – dare we say it – financial circumstances. Choose wisely.
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BECOMING A LAWYER
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