Wig business

"Advocacy is one of the most fun things you can do," says Andreas Stavrinides, who recently completed his Bar Vocational Course (BVC) at the College of Law and is now applying for "pupillage", the apprenticeship served by trainee barristers. "There's a real buzz and a very dramatic element to it."

This is certainly true for one-time drama graduate Aoise Clifford, who was recently called to the bar (the profession's jargon for passing the BVC). Aoise started her career in theatre but was soon drawn to law by the drama of the courtroom.

"It leapt out as a career option because you have the buzz of the courtroom and the excitement of thinking on your feet," says Aoise, who starts pupillage at the 2 Bedford Row chambers next September (barristers are self-employed but work in collectives, known as chambers). "No two days are the same and it's a real intellectual challenge."

It is also fiercely competitive. To qualify as a barrister, you must have either a law degree or a good first degree in any subject plus the demanding law conversion qualification (the CPE), which essentially crams a full law degree into nine months. It doesn't matter which entry route you take - the profession is split 50/50 between those who did law as a first degree and those who have degrees in other subjects.

The next step is the one-year Bar Vocational Course (the BVC). There is a central application system for places - www.bvconline.co.uk - and to start next September you should be doing your research now to get your application in before the 16 January deadline. You also need to join one of the four Inns of Court, the societies that provide support and training for the profession.

It helps your BVC application if you can show some commitment to the career, either by undertaking mini-pupillages (short work experience placements in a barrister's chambers), signing up for work experience with a solicitor or marshalling with a judge. You also need to show some evidence of public speaking be it mooting (debating) competitions or presentations at work.

"You do not have to be a brilliant advocate before you go on the course but you do need to be able to speak in front of people," says Jacqueline Cheltenham, director of the College of Law's oversubscribed BVC programme. "If you would rather cut your arm off than do that, then it's not for you."

Getting a BVC place and passing the exams are just one part of the equation. Would-be barristers must also secure a pupillage, a one-year apprenticeship split into two "sixes", during which trainees shadow a practising barrister (the pupilmaster or mistress) for the first six months and may take on their own cases in the second six. The Bar Council's training website - www.legaleducation.org.uk - is a good place to learn more about this process.

Be warned: it's very competitive. Around 1,500 students study for the BVC every year but there are only 800 pupillages on offer. Beef up your application with lots of career-orientated activities, such as mooting, mock trial competitions and helping out at the Citizens Advice Bureau. The College of Law runs a pro bono programme where students can represent members of the public at tribunals.

It also helps to research pupillage options sooner rather than later. Charlotte Worsley, a barrister who specialises in criminal and family law at No 6 in Leeds, applied for pupillage in the April of her CPE year. "It was a long process researching all the different chambers and areas of work on offer," she recalls. "I did as much work experience as possible and this helped with interviews."

She recommends applying early so you have time to overcome any knock backs. "It is really important to be realistic and research as much as possible," Worsley adds. "You don't get a second chance with interviews. High grades are expected and you have to be really committed as it can be really tough at times."

After pupillage, the next step is to secure tenancy in chambers. Again, this is competitive: of those who get pupillage, just 60 per cent secure tenancy. Expect to do several "sixes" before gaining tenancy.

Even then, the first few years can be difficult. The years of study leave most with daunting debt loads and self-employment brings its own headaches with tax returns and fluctuating workloads.

"The job can be knackering at times and unpredictable. Work has to come first so if you get a case to prepare you have to drop your other plans," says Worsley. "But I like being my own boss. Every day is different and it keeps you on your toes. You get an enormous amount of job satisfaction."