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.
