Barrister Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of a Barrister includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Advising clients on matters of law and evidence and the strength of their case;
  • Examining and cross-examining witnesses;
  • Taking instruction from clients and their solicitors;
  • Understanding and interpreting the law;
  • Undertaking legal research into relevant points of law;
  • Mastering and managing legal briefs (cases);
  • Summing up the reasons why the court should support the client’s case;
  • Drafting legal documents;
  • Negotiating settlements.
  • The work of a criminal barrister is likely to involve a lot of advocacy in court;
  • A family law barrister may be representing clients in court in a contact dispute or divorce case, but may also be involved in mediation as a way of avoiding the need to go to court;
  • Representing clients in court;
  • Presenting arguments in court;
  • Barristers practising chancery/commercial law are generally in court far less than those in other practice areas and instead spend more time undertaking drafting and advisory work.
  • Writing opinions and advising solicitors and other professionals;
  • Preparing cases for court, including holding client conferences, preparing legal arguments, etc.;

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Barrister duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Barrister roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.