Barrister

Barrister is one of the two types of practicing lawyers in England, the other being the solicitor. In general, barristers engage in advocacy (trial work) and solicitors in office work. Barristers are experts in the interpretation of the Law. Barristers are called in to advise on really difficult points. Only barristers (not solicitors) may appear as advocates before the High Court. High Court is a court of law in Britain that is at a higher level than ordinary courts and that can be asked to change the decisions of a lower court. Barristers are rather untouchable figures. If you need one, you never see him without your solicitor being with him. To be a barrister it is necessary to be a member of one of the four Inns of Court in London. Inns of Court are four institutions of high antiquity that have historically been responsible for legal education. Inns of Court include Inner Temple, Middle Temple, Lincoln's Inn, and Gray's Inn. A prospective barrister must pass some examinations established for the inns by the Council of Legal Education and must read law and serve his apprenticeship with a practicing barrister for not less than a year. A barrister is required to accept any case for a proper professional fee, regardless of his personal feelings. Barristers cannot carry on any other profession or business.