How to find barristers' chambers

Despite or perhaps because of the proliferations of legally inspired television dramas, the split nature of the English bar remains shrouded in mystery to most people. What is a solicitor, what is a barrister, and how can you find one if you need to?

What's the difference between a lawyer, a solicitor and a barrister?

Confusing to some, both solicitors and barristers are practising lawyers. Generally, this requires a law (or law conversion) degree, passing a set of exams and undergoing a period of training. Solicitors, who tend to work in firms, take instructions directly from members of the public or companies, and do most of the preparatory work on cases. This means that they gather evidence, deal with correspondence and (hopefully) keep their client updated as to progress in their case or instructions. Barristers are specialised in court attendances, and will take instructions from a solicitor to represent his or her client before a judge. Sometimes, they may be asked to provide advice or an opinion on matters relating to their expertise. For this reason, many kind of issues for which you may approach a solicitor for help, such as property conveyancing or having a will drawn, won’t need a barrister at all, because they’re not the kind of legal matter that would go to court.

How will I find a barrister if I need one?

A layperson/client can never instruct a barrister directly. Barristers can only receive instructions from solicitors. If you are involved in a case where you will require a barrister, your solicitor will select and instruct one for you. Barristers do their work from sets of chambers - they tend to be self-employed, but have co-operative working relationships within these sets. These are found all over the UK, but in high concentration in the Holborn area of London. Many are found in the areas called the Inns of Court, which include Lincoln’s Inn, Middle and Inner Temple. Typically, the barristers worked in this area because they were conveniently situated for the Royal Courts of Justice, which are on the Strand, near Aldwych, in London.

How to find out more about a barrister

With these ‘precautions’ in mind, if you want more information about a barrister, you can access it via the Bar Council, a professional body that regulates and represents the barristers. Specialists in specific areas of law may be identified by means of the lists and recommendations held in Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, both independent and private companies that identify the leaders in their fields and make recommendations regarding members of the legal profession.