Bewigged and Bewildered?: A Guide to Becoming a Barrister in England and Wales

Misunderstandings and jargon prevent many from seriously considering a career as a barrister in England and Wales. Others who want to become barristers may not know how to go about it. And then there are those who just want to know more about this somewhat mysterious profession. This book - written by a barrister who was formerly a university law lecturer - clearly explains the traditions, terminology, and institutions of the Bar in England and Wales, as well as what it is actually like to be a barrister. Several barristers practicing in different fields describe in detail a typical week in their life. Advice is then given on how to be accepted into, fund, and survive the various academic and other stages that precede qualification as a barrister, including work experience, Bar school, and pupillage (the barrister's apprenticeship). The book also discusses how to transfer to the Bar after another legal or non-legal career. This second edition is fully updated to take account of the changes to the Bar, training for it, and the process of recruitment to it.