Advice needed for career as a barrister

tweedledee · 20-01-2012 5:11pm #1

Ladies and gents, I'm just looking for some advice with regard to becoming a barrister.
Several years ago I returned to college and I now have a BCL degree. I will turn 44 in August and I am wondering if I am too old to be starting a career as a barrister, of course assuming I actually get a place at KI???
I have the money, saved up from working nights so thats not an issue. Many thanks for any advice or contributions.

NoQuarter · 20-01-2012 5:35pm

There are plenty in the KI now that are older than 44. If you can afford to do it and you want to do it whats to stop you?

You could work up to 65-70+, thats over 20 years as a Barrister. Even time enough to take silk

tweedledee · 20-01-2012 5:42pm

Really??wow, I am very surprised that there would be folk that age in KI. It was very daunting several years ago when I started in Uni but I loved, LOVED studying law and I did very well, it was hard work but my efforts paid off with a solid degree.
Some people are telling me I'm wasting valuable time but others are saying do something that you love and are interested in!!!
No Quarter thanks for your advice and insight, it's much appreciated.:)

ResearchWill · 20-01-2012 5:52pm

Lots of people in KI are mature, looking at my class a few years ago I would say about 50/50. If you have the money go for it. If you then have the money to support yourself for at least 3 to 5 years then practice.

While of course I can not say what things will be like in 10 or so years time, at the moment I would say most barristers in year 5 and below are strugling, and by that i mean making a after expencies income less than the single persons dole.

tweedledee · 20-01-2012 5:58pm

Thanks Research, I would much prefer to work as a qualified barrister earning peanuts for a few years than be on social welfare going nowhere. Again I appreciate your advice

Law is such a fascinating subject.

NoQuarter · 20-01-2012 6:21pm

tweedledee wrote: »

Thanks Research, I would much prefer to work as a qualified barrister earning peanuts for a few years than be on social welfare going nowhere. Again I appreciate your advice
Law is such a fascinating subject.

I wasnt crazy on my law degree itself but I absolutely LOVE King's Inns. It's challenging in a more procedural way. Not much law to learn as its a lot more practical and hands on learning new skills and its such a great community. Best of luck if you pursue it.

tweedledee · 20-01-2012 6:26pm

Thanks sooo much, I am thinking of emigrating as a last resort but if KI is a possibility then I would go for it. For sure I can see Uni being hit and miss with some due to sooo many distractions, parties, clubs etc but my age kept me studying thank God

although I did party a little in first year.

page1 · 20-01-2012 9:02pm

Hi I plan on sitting the Inns entrance exams in Aug and I'm turning 34. I am currently sitting 2 subjects on the KI diploma course as I didn't cover them in my degree. Most students look to be late twenties early thirties and there is a large portion who I would judge to be 40+. I would think a fair few of them plan on proceeding to the degree course.

IMO the biggest obstacle is money not age. Like other posters said you need money for fees, maintenance whilst attending the course and getting yourself set up in practice.
Good luck with your decision.

Advice needed for career as a barrister

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