The Bar is a great profession to join. There are few other jobs that provide so many opportunities to make a difference to individuals and society. In this article I will help you weigh up whether or not the Bar is for you and how best you can prepare yourself to compete with many others to become a barrister.

Many of you will look at the figures and say 'no thanks' and then go and do something else. Some will be worried and yet, to your surprise, find that you are still interested. If that is you, then you have probably passed the first test. The Bar is suited to those who are not risk-averse. To be a barrister, you must be courageous.

Face the facts

Before you rush off to buy your wig, it is important to stare long and hard at the facts and figures and the standard criteria. First, you need a law degree with a minimum 2:1 grade or, alternatively, any degree followed by a year-long conversion course. After that you must undertake the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) and, following that, a 12-month pupillage in a barristers' chambers. It sounds so simple but I would estimate that only 30% of those on the BVC will obtain a pupillage. Your average BVC student will have paid out £10,000 in tuition fees and about £6,000 in living expenses. Clearly, endeavouring to become a barrister is a very expensive gamble.

Honest self-appraisal

At Nottingham Law School 50%-60% of our students obtain pupillage, on average. When we look at applications we consider whether the applicant has a fighting chance of getting a pupillage. As you read this article, reflect honestly on how well you would match the criteria. If you are not strong in every respect then I suggest that you put right the weakness or think afresh about your career. Don't kid yourself – you may regret it later.

The standard criteria

- Academic achievement. You are very brave if you commence a BVC with anything less than a 2:1. With a 2:2 you are unlikely to get a pupillage; there are simply too many people with 2:1s and above. Even if you get a 2:1, they are so common that you must have additional evidence of academic ability such as good A-level grades or post-graduate qualifications.

- Work experience. Chambers want applicants who know how the Bar works. I would suggest a minimum of three week-long mini-pupillages (work experience). It can help if you have spent time in a law firm. Other work experience (especially pro bono) is a great help – you should highlight aspects that are relevant to the Bar.

- Public speaking. No chambers will want you if you do not have a track record of speaking in front of others. Get stuck into debating and mooting. Enter national competitions. If there is no debating society at your university, start one. Take roles in organisations where you lead and speak.

- Initiative and maturity. It must be clear from your CV that you are the sort of person who gets on with things and would be great to have around chambers. Develop interests that make you and your application engaging. Chambers do not want to be stuck with boring people. I strongly recommend that you work for one, two or three years between university and the BVC. This will make you more mature and a much better pupillage interviewee.

- Presentation. If your application has spelling and grammar mistakes I advise you to put it in the bin instead of bothering to put it in the post box.

The interview day

If you put together a strong CV then hopefully you would land some interviews. I have three tips:

- Every question is really, 'Will you make a good pupil?' The pupillage committee is under a lot of pressure to get the right person. In your answers think how what you say will give them confidence that you will be a good pupil. Don't talk for hours about post-modernism.

- Make a list of the obvious questions such as: 'Why do you want to be a barrister?' Write out an answer so that you can give a pertinent, punchy response.

- Practice. Get someone to fire questions at you. You don't want your first interview to be the first time you have a go at answering questions.

The Bar is a great profession and is very difficult to get into. Know the risks. Look long and hard at the dangers. Critically evaluate yourself. Spend time (years) creating a good CV. If you do this then you will have given yourself the best chance of success.

James Wakefield is director of the Bar Vocational Course at Nottingham Law School.

The article appears in the Spring 2007 edition of the Legal Week Student supplement. Click here for a full list of articles. To order a hard copy email [email protected] or ring 020 7004 7422

Legal Week Student Spring 2007