Bewigged and Bewildered: A Guide to Becoming a Barrister in England and Wales

(Paperback, 3rd edition)

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Description

Misunderstandings and jargon prevent many from seriously considering a career as a barrister in the belief that such a career is not for them or that they are not for it. Others know that they might want to become barristers but not how to go about it, or just want to know more about this somewhat mysterious profession. This book, written by two barristers, clearly but informally explains the traditions, terminology and institutions of the Bar, and what it is actually like to be a barrister. With this aim, several barristers practising in different fields describe in detail a typical week in their life. Advice is then given on how to be accepted into, fund and survive the various academic and other stages that precede qualification as a barrister, including work experience, Bar School and pupillage (the barristers apprenticeship). It explains how to transfer to the Bar, for the benefit of solicitors, overseas lawyers or those in a non-legal career. This third edition is fully updated to take account of the most recent changes to the Bar, training for it, and the process of recruitment to it.

Reviews

This is an indispensable guide to anyone who might consider a career at the BarKramer in his clever way weaves in facts, possibilities, alternatives, definitions and sub-definitionsThe 10 little essays about the life of young practitioners are very polished. -- David Wurtzel * Counsel *
Not only does it set out essential information about qualifications, joining an inn, dining, obtaining a pupillage, and so on, it also includes guidance on alternative careers, law libraries in London, time-tables for routes to the Bar, and setting up in practice. * The Commonwealth Lawyer, Vol 17, No 2 *
I endorse Adam Kramer's unique book for throwing open the doors of the Bar to current and future generations, and I hope that, by giving the confidence that can come only from being fully informed, it will bring readers to this most enjoyable, worthwhile, and rewarding of vocations. I only wish it had been available to me when I started in practice 35 years ago. -- From the foreword to the first edition by Stephen Hockman QC, Chairman of the Bar Council
...it gets the LawCareers.Net seal of approval...We particularly like Kramer's advice on how to respond to the age-old pupillage interview question: 'How can you defend a man who you know is guilty' And his guidance on how to wear your wig and bands looks pretty useful too! * LC.N Weekly (Law Careers.Net) *
This is a very much needed book, with useful online updates, for anyone interested in becoming a barrister-at-law in England and Wales in 21st century...There has always been a certain amount of mystique about the Bar and what we actually do. Adam Kramer has been able to distill the work we do in a matter-of-fact way as though he were addressing a jury- and he puts the issues across very finely indeed with most questions answered. -- Phillip Taylor, Richmond Chambers
Bewigged is a well-written and enjoyable resource and should be useful to law students, aspiring law students and aspiring barristers in particular...it is a useful referral point for students interested in joining the barrister profession. Reference sections of any university library and careers services would do well to stock the book. Those of us who do not themselves aspire to a career in advocacy will enjoy the insightful account of the structure of the legal world and the training system for joining one of the oldest and most powerful professions in contemporary Britain. -- Anna Zimdars * The Law Teacher *

Author Bio

Adam Kramer and Ian Higgins are barristers at 3 Verulam Buildings. Adam was previously a lecturer in law at the Universities of Durham and Oxford, and Ian is a former solicitor.