To think 31 is too old to train as a barrister?

[Tollyray]

I’m 31 and always wanted to be a barrister, but for various reasons I never did. I have a degree in English Literature and a Masters in Global Diplomacy.

However, I do keep thinking about how I regret not training to be a barrister, but I also realise it’s probably pie in the sky and I’m underestimating the work involved.

AIBU to think 31 too old to thinking about retraining? And if not, then has anyone else done similar and is able to tell me exactly what is involved, which courses need to be studied etc? I’m only just starting to properly research the subject.

Also agree re the solicitor then HRA course as another alternative

You have plenty of time to train and become a barrister.

Not really sure what this means? Sure, the OP has all her while working life ahead of her - but once she commits to training for the Bar all the dominoes need to fall very neatly one after the other within a customary amount of time. She will need conversion, BVC, pupillage and tenancy to follow each other smoothly with no unseemly gaps. At each stage those who don't make an easy transition are pretty much forced to drop out of the race. She can't do one stage and then wander off and wait for better times if she isn't immediately taken to the next level ...

I'm a barrister. Well, I was for 15 years and have just jacked it in... why do you feel it's the career for you? What is it that appeals?

As others have said, it's fiercely competitive to get a pupillage, but that said, that's no reason to be put off anything if you want it enough.

I think you need really good reasons for wanting to do it (along with the obvious academics and experience).

I'm a barrister. Well, I was for 15 years and have just jacked it in... why do you feel it's the career for you? What is it that appeals?

As others have said, it's fiercely competitive to get a pupillage, but that said, that's no reason to be put off anything if you want it enough.

I think you need really good reasons for wanting to do it (along with the obvious academics and experience).

@PerditaProvokesEnmity
What I mean is that it shouldn't matter if she 24 or 31. If it is something she is serious about doing then she should do it.
Some people think that the nylon beige stockings should be coming out once they hit 30!

Not too old- BUT - what did you get for your undergrad degree? Do you want to do criminal law or civil?

My DH did this a few years ago, so I know a fair bit about the process. You need to join one of the four Inns and pay for a law conversion, then the BPTC- both incredibly expensive, with no guarantee of pupillage afterwards.

Best advice is to apply for some mini pupillages at a range of chambers (use your annual leave from your job for these) and see if you like it first.

If you like it, apply for a scholarship from the inn you‘ve joined to cover the fees of your BPTC. This will cover some or all of your fees (if you get one) and acts as a signifier to chambers that you are good calibre. You’ll then need to do this all over again to pay for the BPTC. What will you live on while you study? Make sure you some moot competitions and shadowing of judges if you can.

If you don’t have a good first degree from a top uni I really wouldn’t risk it - it’s SO competitive, and so hard to get pupillage. Getting called to the bar is only the first step. If you can’t get a scholarship to pay the fees then please think again- and bear in mind nowadays the criminal bar pays peanuts. Not trying to put you off- just don’t want you to be unrealistic.

Good luck - and no, 31 isn’t too old. DH did it at 28.

I am not talking about how hard it is to qualify to do the job. That is a different matter which I am not qualified to discuss.

You are certainly not too old to retrain! Bear in mind retirement age is 67 and will no doubt go up again in a decade or so.
Im 30 and have just finished a psychology degree with the hope of retraining as a clinical psychologist so have another 4 years of study ahead of me. The only downside is It is difficult working alongside it and obviously I have responsibilities like a mortgage etc so can't take a low paid job for valuable experience so will need to really sell my transferable experience from my current job.

.....how would you feel about having pupil masters who are younger than you

I don’t think that’s different to many careers/jobs though. The hierarchy of staff doesn’t necessarily equate to age in most areas really I would assume. It’s not a factor in deciding where it not to go for it.

The fact it sounds like an absolute ball ache is the main reason not to bother.

OP, by the sounds of it, you may not redo the rewards if your effort and dedication. The comparison of a Clinical Psychologist sums it up nicely. 3 year Under grad, then a 3 year post grad. It’s so competitive but the salary isn’t great really. Would have been financially savvy to train as a psychiatrist as they’ll be on a lot more.

I'm so pleased I posted here before I spent any more time pondering it. If anyone does have any other suggestions of rewarding careers advocating for causes please do post.

Definitely not too old my brother is about to do it at 39.

He is already a solicitor though.

OP have you considered working for a charity that focuses on women's rights? Perhaps in a campaigning role? You might end up being able to make a difference to women's lives but without the challenge of training to be a solicitor or barrister. Charities are often geared up to using volunteers and so it's relatively easy to get work experience that way before looking for paid roles. I work in the sector and that was my way in.

My relative who's a barrister wanted to train as a solicitor initially and couldn't get a training contract despite have an excellent law degree - it may not be any easier to take that route.

Come on, OP! You can't seriously be giving up the whole idea based purely on anonymous opinions? While we do mostly know exactly what we're talking about you owe it to yourself to at least do some serious real life research.

I'm certain your erm ... colleague(s) could introduce you to some barristers, informally. In the meantime, as a poster above suggested, look up some chambers and go through the tenant's CVs. That will give you some idea of whether you might have a competitive chance or not. Try and spend a few days in a couple of sets of chambers and see how they work.

Then at least you won't still be wondering in thirty years time ...

I don't think it's too old but having read your OP you seem to have no clue about what it involves.

Your background would be very appealing to people interviewing you for pupillage (getting pupillage is the really tough part).

You already have a degree. So it will be 1 year CPE then BVC (might be called something else now). Then 1 year pupillage. So you would still be good to go under 35.

It’s not too old. BUT...the human rights field is terribly terribly hard to get into. There truly is hardly not enough of this work to go around. Unless you are doing it pro bono.

Good luck though.

If you work as a assistant to a Labour MP then Keir Starmer was a human rights barrister before he was in the CPS.

Don’t come to the bar as part of an agenda advocating for a particular cause. Really it’s politics you need if that’s what you want.

If you work as a assistant to a Labour MP then Keir Starmer was a human rights barrister before he was in the CPS.

I do work for a Labour MP.

I don't think it's too old but having read your OP you seem to have no clue about what it involves.

I don't. That's why I'm asking.

Don’t come to the bar as part of an agenda advocating for a particular cause. Really it’s politics you need if that’s what you want.

That's what I work in now, and I love the job I do, but it is so perilous, and it worries me that it gives no security.

What about policy work for a human rights type charity?

I know that’s what you work in now. The Bar is a great career. But it’s the work not the cause that is the focus. And truly - there is absolutely no security at all. It’s just as perilous as politics. Many of my colleagues are on their knees financially over the present crisis.

OP before you throw in the towel- please bear in mind many cities have local barristers chambers- often lower calibre than top London sets, but still a potential route in. I know Bournemouth, Southampton, Manchester and Hull have barristers chambers - there will be others in England and Wales - look through the directories and barristers profiles to see their academic background. It does cost a lot to retrain though, and no guarantees. Scotland has a separate legal system.

Re solicitors- again, outside London it is less competitive. The Legal Executivr route is a good option. Trade unions also have legal departments and there are TU solicitors firms like Thompson’s - do more research before you throw in the towel.