Becoming a barrister
Becoming a barrister
Barristers are lawyers with specialist skills as independent advocates and advisors. To be eligible to practise as a barrister in Victoria, lawyers must qualify for and complete the Victorian Bar's Readers' Course.
To become a barrister in Victoria you must:
- be an Australian lawyer and meet the eligibility requirements,
- pass the Entrance Examination set by the Victorian Bar to qualify for a place in the Readers' Course,
- satisfactorily complete the 8-9 week Readers' Course, and
- work under an approved mentor at the Victorian Bar for 9 months, inclusive of the Readers' Course period.
In May 2020, the Victorian Bar’s Equality and Diversity Committee hosted an information session, during Victoria’s annual Law Week, on what life as a barrister is like.
Recorded on Zoom, as COVID-19 lockdowns were tightening their grip on the State,
“Must Love Coffee (and know how to Zoom) – The Privileges, Perils and Percolations of Life as a Victorian Barrister in the age of COVID-19,” provides candid insights into why barristers chose the Bar, the challenges they faced, and the opportunities and rewards being members of the Victorian Bar have brought them.
Click on the links to the right for more detailed information or, download the Victorian Bar’s 'Becoming a barrister' brochure.
Contact the Education Team at the VicBar office for more information on:
T 03 9225 7111
E education@vicbar.com.au
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