‘I am thinking of quitting my job to chase my dream of becoming a criminal barrister’

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By Legal Cheek on

18

Career changer needs advice

Barrister's wig and gown on table
In the latest instalment of our Career Conundrums series, a prospective career changer contemplates pursuing their dream of becoming a criminal barrister.

“Hi Legal Cheek. I’ve got a question about potentially changing careers. I am in my early 30s and currently work for the police, although I have recently completed a law conversion course in my free time with a view to training as a barrister. I also have an undergraduate degree in management.”

“It’s been something I’ve been considering for several years now and feel it is now or never. I would like to become a criminal barrister but understand how challenging an area this is for a whole host of reasons! I’d like to know whether a) I stand a realistic chance of securing pupillage b) whether pinning my hopes on criminal law is crazy given the challenges currently facing this area of the bar?”

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