Page 3 | Has anyone retrained as a Barrister at 50?

theclevercuttlefish · 2025-07-18T17:51:55+00:00

I’ve been looking at the requirements and they don’t seem too onerous.

Radioundermypillow · 22/07/2025 09:07

theclevercuttlefish · 22/07/2025 08:39

Thank you for each of the comments / posts, much appreciated.

I enjoyed the reference to Naomi Cunningham and her father, I love NC.

And something for all of us - if we think we can or think we can’t, we’re probably right..

I agree up to a point OP. Sometimes the system is against us. But why not go for it? Good luck!

Original poster

theclevercuttlefish · 22/07/2025 09:59

Radioundermypillow · 22/07/2025 09:07

I agree up to a point OP. Sometimes the system is against us. But why not go for it? Good luck!

Show quote history

Well yes but..

OP posts:

TheaBrandt1 · 22/07/2025 10:04

You sound very idealistic for 50

Original poster

theclevercuttlefish · 22/07/2025 10:05

TheaBrandt1 · 22/07/2025 10:04

You sound very idealistic for 50

You should join me. It’s lovely, once you’re in.

OP posts:

HarrietBond · 22/07/2025 10:07

GaryAvisFanClub · 21/07/2025 14:37

Would you consider training as a mediator? It might be a good fit for your interests in justice and psychology background. Nb though that at the higher end mediators tend also to be legally qualified, so worth researching how far you would be able to take it.

I’d echo this. My barrister friend moved into mediation as he was keen to do more meaningful work (commercial barrister burned out in his 30s). He loves it. It’s a way to make a real difference too. Even if you had to do a law qualification to move into it (although I know mediation training itself doesn’t require this so I guess that would potentially just open up wider mediation opportunities). I think your psychology background would probably be enough in itself though.

Twelftytwo · 22/07/2025 10:12

Bit left field but how do you feel about numbers?

HMRC graduate scheme opens every autumn and recruits blind on age etc. 3.5-4yrs of learning all about tax legislation, case law, accounting etc.

Massive age range so you wouldn't be out of place

summertimeinLondon · 22/07/2025 10:14

FrodoBiggins · 20/07/2025 13:48

Thanks and you're welcome.

High exam scores wouldn't make someone stand out. We pretty much only get applicants from people with firsts and high 2:1s plus masters. Many have the BCL which is a specific masters level degree only Oxford offers. I would say our average applicant has a first, at least a merit at masters, a merit or distinction on GLD if they took that, and an Outstanding on the bar course. Contrary to poster above re A levels at law firms, I've never looked at A level results, don't care how good someone was as a child.

@Puppyteeth is* *spot on, it's what you do on top of that which sets you apart. Whether it's work or volunteering or publishing. We've recently had people who worked over summer or gap year on presidential campaigns, drafted Brexit legislation, worked in courts or tribunals as legal advisors, etc. I place more weight on paid work than voluntary because the former is more competitive but also more egalitarian.

Can I ask what makes you want to be a barrister?

Show quote history

^This

DP is a barrister — double starred first from an Oxbridge college, a PhD, Outstanding in BPTC, had worked for FRU and won a major legal essay prize plus two years as a paralegal and it still took 2 rounds to get pupillage. Other candidates would have eg. Olympic medals in rowing done on the side, or a ten year career at the New York bar as well, and so on. It’s unbelievably competitive!

summertimeinLondon · 22/07/2025 10:22

theclevercuttlefish · 20/07/2025 16:13

High exam scores wouldn't make someone stand out

Absolutely, that’s why I asked, what did / does. Thank you for the additional tips. I’m aware it will be an uphill endeavour. But what worth having isn’t.

Why? I would like to make a more decisive difference to people’s lives, be a person they rely on to attain what’s best for them. Justice. On a personal level, still be self employed but be in a chambers environment. I’m thoroughly bored, and know I can’t slow down any more if it’s like this at 50. I’d rather speed up and learn, commit rather than wither away into a well paid but tedious (often annoying) and unchallenging / complacent wilderness for the next X years.

@theclevercuttlefish OP have you thought about becoming a magistrate? That would give you some experience of a legal environment, too, before you decided where to retrain.

FrodoBiggins · 22/07/2025 11:42

summertimeinLondon · 22/07/2025 10:14

^This

DP is a barrister — double starred first from an Oxbridge college, a PhD, Outstanding in BPTC, had worked for FRU and won a major legal essay prize plus two years as a paralegal and it still took 2 rounds to get pupillage. Other candidates would have eg. Olympic medals in rowing done on the side, or a ten year career at the New York bar as well, and so on. It’s unbelievably competitive!

Show quote history

God yes I forgot about the year I interviewed three different Olympians 😂