Life after the Bar !! Any stories ?

yellowhouse

Hi All, I have recently been speaking to a few colleagues about this. I am just curious about possible opportunities that exist if one was to leave the Law library. The idea of a salary and a pension I must say are appealing and both myself and my girlfriend would like to settle down and buy a house. If I walked into the bank as a barrister at this stage of my career (less than 5 years down) they would laugh at me .

I am curious as to what potential jobs would be available to me? Do any of you know of others who have successfully left the bar. Was it worth it ? Do they regret it ?


I understand that some love the life but the uncertainty and the lack of regular income is starting to just get to me.

Any stories or advice would be welcome

Samuel T. Cogley

I assume you got the propaganda sales pitch from the Inns before going. I'm not talking from the point of view of an insider but there doesn't seem to be a better set of transferable skills tbh. Civil service seems to be an obvious jumping off point and I've an acquaintance who made that jump.

A very good friend is a lawyer from another jurisdiction and makes a very good (and purely part time) living from working for the immigration service.

Seems that in house counsel is a very lucrative but perhaps dull (looking at one of the guys at work) field. (Not suggesting he's dull, just his job might be).

Claw Hammer

I was told that it is 1,3,5,7. years experience that employers look for. Some former barristers work in recruitment companies. They often source jobs for barristers who want to leave practise.

Jentle Grenade

Have you any European/Other language? I made the switch to Foreign Affairs for the security it afforded and the opportunities to travel etc. Long hours, especially if you're posted abroad, but the pay is good and the experience is pretty invaluable.