subject: The Role of Barristers in the UK [print this page] The Role of Barristers in the UK The Role of Barristers in the UK
In the judicial system of the United Kingdom, barristers are one of the most important elements. After undergoing rigorous academic and vocational training, they have to further specialize in specific areas. Barristers generally practice law in the higher courts. They are highly experienced professionals who are capable of interpreting law and providing skilled representation in the higher court in order to get the best possible results for their clients. On the completion of their training they have the option to work for in-house legal departments of a company or they can choose to be self employed and work from chambers which are generally shared by their colleagues of similar status.
A barrister's role is to make sure that justice is provided to his clients in the form of best representation before the judge. A barrister is expected to appear in court in order to argue his client's case. Barristers are not allowed to join together as partners but at the same time they can have common chambers as sole practitioners or share a common clerk.
A barrister gets an honorarium in return for the services provided by him to his clients. To be more precise, a client cannot normally approach a barrister directly. They contact a solicitor and it is this solicitor who briefs the barrister. The honorarium is also paid to the solicitor who further pays the barrister. A client can never be sued by a barrister for the honorarium.
A barrister has the opportunity to rise the ranks within his profession. He may have an opportunity to become a senior counsel or a judge. It all depends on his legal expertise and experience to conduct trials in a fair manner according to the established procedures.
Theoretically a barrister can practice law in all courts but generally he will make an appearance in the higher court. You will rarely find a barrister who defending his client against some petty charge in the Magistrates' Court.
It needs to be understood very clearly that the real work of a barrister is done before the trial. The research work that is undertaken by a barrister and his team always determines the success of a trial. It is from systematic research that the facts are uncovered, and with the help of these facts the case of the opposition can be easily contradicted. While paying honorarium to a barrister you are not only paying for his time but also for his years of experience.
