To be, or not to be, a Barrister in 2016

effinnblindin

Hi there. I know this has been discussed on many threads in the past but there hasn't really been a recent discussion on it. I'm on my way to becoming a solicitor currently doing the FE1s. However the more I think about it the more I realise that I would probably prefer to be a barrister. However I've decided to become a solicitor simply because its's a 'safe' and 'secure' ish career path (being paid a salary being a major factor). Furthermore I have no contacts whatsoever in the legal world and from what I've heard these are very helpful when starting out.

So what I'm asking is how tough is it to make it as a barrister starting out in 2016? From what I've heard there is a huge drop out rate in the profession. People, including solicitors have told me "you'd want to be mad to become a barrister". Although I would like to be a barrister and I would work hard for it, I don't want to go into a profession that I might have to leave in a few years due to being broke. Is it as bad as people say?

Also is becoming a solicitor, saving some money and building contacts and then becoming a barrister an option or is this generally not done?

I'd love to hear from anyone who could shed some light on this. Thanks.

MarkAnthony

You can swap professions, but really you can build contacts from even before you start your law degree. At this point get into the debating society at Blackhall, never turn up the opportunity of a pint etc.

As for many that leave the profession, they don't starve.

(Disclaimer: Own research rather than any experience)

The_Minister

Barristers have much, much more craic, but the payment is incredibly variable, and can be negligible.

People slave at it for years sometimes before hitting the equivalent of the minimum wage.

OP, I'm not a barrister but I can relate to you somewhat. I'm in a profession which was costly and long in terms of training. It will take me a good while to make any real money from it and build a client base. I'm doing it because I absolutely love it. Things could have been different. I could continued on a different path and had a far greater income but ultimately I chose to follow my passion.

So what I will say to you is if this is a profession you care deeply about, if you are willing to start at the bottom for something you love then don't hesitate and do it.

Life is short

hullaballoo

The main thing that will prevent entry to the bar now is that the costs of the new political regulator will add €2,500.00 each onto the already incapacitating fees for practitioners at the bar.

I would say this change will mean that only the very rich will be in a position to survive the first 7-10 years at the bar. No other sole trader starting out in business could cope with these costs. You're talking €5,500.00 in your first year, increasing every subsequent year.