Barristers

Question 1

Barristers are called to what upon joining their profession?

Answer 1

The Bar

Question 2

Barristers must become a member of what?

Answer 2

one of the four Inns of Court

Question 3

What will joining one of the four Inns of Court enable them to do?

Answer 3

Have full rights of audience in any court in England and Wales

Question 4

Having full rights of audience in any court means they are a what?

Answer 4

Advocate

Question 5

Example of one of the four Inns of Court

Answer 5

Lincoln’s Inn

Question 6

Employment options

Answer 6

• self-employed
• employed by businesses or government organisations

Question 7

When is a barrister eligible to become a KC?

Answer 7

after a minimum of 10 years in their profession

Question 8

A barrister is eligible to become a what after at least 10 years in their profession?

Answer 8

KC

Question 9

A barrister will usually specialise in what?

Answer 9

• a specific area of law
• prosecution or defence

Question 10

When will a barrister be instructed by the CPS?

Answer 10

when prosecuting

Question 11

When prosecuting, who instructs a barrister?

Answer 11

CPS

Question 12

The CPS will work with a prosecuting barrister to ensure what?

Answer 12

that there is sufficient evidence to press charges

Question 13

What will a defending barrister advise their client on?

Answer 13

• the strength of evidence, allowing them to decide whether or not to plead guilty
• whether or not an appeal would be successful should they be unsatisfied with the verdict or sentence

Question 14

What duty does a barrister owe to their client

Answer 14

Duty of confidentiality

Question 15

When will a barrister not owe a duty of confidentiality?

Answer 15

If their client admits guilt to them

Question 16

Why will a barrister not owe a duty of confidentiality towards their client if they admit guilt?

Answer 16

cannot continue to represent the client in a not guilty defence

Question 17

A barrister owes a duty to the court. What does this mean?

Answer 17

• Must not mislead or waste the time of the court
• Must ensure that the court has been provided with all the information it needs, even if it weakens their client’s case

Question 18

What must a barrister do to carry out direct access work?

Answer 18

additional training

Question 19

What is direct access work?

Answer 19

Providing their services to members of the public without the need for a solicitor

Question 20

Exception of the cab rank rule

Answer 20

Direct access work

Question 21

What is the cab rank rule?

Answer 21

A barrister cannot reject a case if it is in the area of law that they specialise in and they are free to take the case

Question 22

The Bar Standards Board

Answer 22

• regulates barristers
• creates code of conduct
• sets training and entry standards

Question 23

• regulates barristers
• creates code of conduct
• sets training and entry standards

Answer 23

The Bar Standards Board

Question 24

What will serious professional misconduct result in?

Answer 24

The Bar Tribunals and Adjudication service arranging a disciplinary tribunal

Question 25

What arranges a Disciplinary Tribunal?

Answer 25

The Bar Tribunals and Adjudication service

Question 26

What will the Bar Tribunals and Adjudication service arrange in the event of serious professional misconduct?

Answer 26

a disciplinary tribunal

Question 27

What may a disciplinary tribunal result in?

Answer 27

• a formal reprimand
• suspension/striking from the Bar

Question 28

What can a complainant do if they are dissatisfied with the outcome fo disciplinary tribunal?

Answer 28

Make a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman