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A barrister is a type of lawyer trained to:

  • give specialist legal advice.
  • advise on the strengths and weaknesses of a case.
  • represent people and organisations in courts and tribunals.

Barristers in England and Wales are regulated by us, the Bar Standards Board (BSB). We set the rules they must follow and take action if they do not meet professional standards.

When you might need a barrister

There are all kinds of situations where you may need the help of a barrister. They do a wide range of work and help a wide range of people. 

Before you consider whether you need a barrister (or indeed whether you need a solicitor) it is best to start by thinking about whether you think you have a legal problem or not. 

Identifying legal problems 

Sometimes, it will be obvious that you need legal advice or help - for example, if someone sues you. But there are times when it is more difficult to know. 

Some common situations where you may need legal help or advice from a barrister include: 

  • an accident involving personal injury or property damage; 

  • a family problem such as a divorce or child custody dispute; 

  • discrimination or harassment at work; 

  • a problem with your landlord or tenant, for example around repairs or eviction; 

  • starting a new business; 

  • the drafting of a will; 

  • an arrest or questioning by police; or  

  • an immigration issue. 

The Legal Choices website can be a good starting point for trying to work out whether you have a legal problem and there are several sites which can give you further information such as www.gov.uk, www.citizensadvice.org.uk, and www.advicenow.org.uk. 

Who can call themselves a “barrister”

 Only someone who has complete the required training and been Called to the Bar of England and Wales can use the title "barrister". 

To provide legal services, a barrister must hold a valid practicing certificate from us. 

You can check if a barrister is allowed to practise by entering their name on our Barristers' Register.

  • Please note:
    • Please note:

    Some barristers do not hold a valid practicing certificate and are not currently practicing. They are know as unregistered barristers. 

    They may still be allowed to use the title 'barrister', but must not offer legal services. It may be a criminal offence for someone who is not a barrister to describe themselves as one. 

    Check whether a barrister is authorised to practice by searching our Barristers Register. 

    What areas do barristers work in

    Barristers can specialise in a range of different areas of the law including; criminal law, family law, commercial law and employment and immigration law. 

    Immigration and asylum advice

    If your legal problem involves immigration or asylum issues, you could also choose to go to an advisor registered by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) for help.

    To help you find the best advice for you in this area we have produced some guidance which explains:

    • the different types of people and organisations that can assist with immigration and asylum issues;
    • how to choose the best provider;
    • what to expect from providers; and
    • what to do if something goes wrong.

    The guidance was developed with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). It is available in a range of different languages including Arabic, Bengali, Farsi and Urdu.

    DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE TO IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM ISSUES

     

    Youth courts

    If you, or a child close to you, has to appear in a Youth Court, you might need the services of a barrister.

    We created a video to help people know what to expect from barristers who work in the youth courts.

    To understand what to expect from barristers in youth courts, please refer to our Youth Proceedings Competences.

    We publish information about which barristers have registered as working in the youth courts on the Barristers' Register.