What it means to be a Chancery barrister
While the vast majority of barristers at the Chancery Bar are still self-employed this is changing. In future, there may be more opportunities to practise in new business structures or as employed barristers.
Chancery barristers:
- appear in courts, tribunals or arbitrations
- advise clients
- draft documents for court
- negotiate settlements
- draft documents that give effect to corporate or other transactions.
Preparation is everything and can be time consuming. A week-long trial may take many more days to prepare for; even a short meeting may require hours of research. This demands self-motivation and independent hard work as well as teamwork. Chancery barristers collaborate with each other, solicitors, expert witnesses and others to provide a comprehensive service for clients. Preparation and research is often shared.
For those with the right skills and qualifications, the Chancery Bar is an attractive career. Job satisfaction is high thanks to the intellectual challenge of solving complex legal problems, the high degree of independence comparatively early, and the pleasure of finding the right solution for a client.