Stand up in court and help deliver justice as a barrister (not barista, your daily grind is at the Bar, not the café!)
Did you like to argue growing up? Maybe over chores, whose turn it was to play with that specific toy or who really won that board game. That instinct to challenge, question and make your case is at the heart of what barristers do. In Australia, a barrister is a type of lawyer who specialises in standing up in court, arguing cases and giving high-level legal advice on complex issues. They’re the advocacy specialists of the legal world, usually called in when a matter is serious, contested or headed for a hearing or trial.
Steps to becoming a barrister
The steps provided are specific to practising as a barrister in Victoria.
If you want to practise law in another Australian state or territory, you must check with the admitting authority in that state or territory as although the requirements and processes are similar, they can differ in important ways.
Step 1. Complete an accredited law degree
Which law course you apply for will depend on your education history. If you do not have an existing undergraduate qualification, then you should apply for the Bachelor of Laws. If you have an undergraduate qualification in an unrelated discipline, then you should apply for the Juris Doctor.
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Bachelor of Laws
February, July
On campus
Melbourne City
Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years
Juris Doctor
- February, July
- On campus
- Melbourne City
- Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years
Study a law double degree
Designed to complement each other and expand your career opportunities, RMIT offers law double degree combinations with accounting, business, commerce, and professional communication.
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Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws
- February, July
- On campus
- Melbourne City
- Full-time 5 years, Part-time 10 years
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business
- February, July
- On campus
- Melbourne City
- Full-time 5 years, Part-time 10 years
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce
- February, July
- On campus
- Melbourne City
- Full-time 5 years, Part-time 10 years
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Professional Communication
- February, July
- On campus
- Melbourne City
- Full-time 5 years, Part-time 10 years
Step 2. Complete Practical Legal Training
After completing the academic requirement pertaining to legal practice, you need to complete the Practical Legal Training (PLT) requirements. This can be completed through an approved PLT course. The PLT course can be undertaken on a fee-paying basis through the Leo Cussen Centre for Law, the ACAP University College or The College of Law.
Step 3. Apply for the Victorian Legal Admissions Board
You must apply for the Victorian Legal Admissions Board to be admitted to practise as a qualified legal professional, initially as a solicitor.
A person is eligible for admission only if:
- they have appropriate academic qualifications and practical legal training, whether obtained in Australia or elsewhere; and
- they are a fit and proper person to be admitted to the Australian legal profession.
Step 4. Pass the Victorian Bar Entrance Exam
The Victorian Bar Entrance Exam consists of three separate exam components:
- Legal Ethics
- Evidence
- Pratice and Procedure
You must pass all three components with a minimum score of 75%. Find out more information on the Victorian Bar website.
Step 5. Complete the Readers' Course
The Readers' Course is a compulsory course that teaches oral and written advocacy, ethics, forensic skills, how to run a sole practice, marketing and analytical skills, practice building and development.
Inclusive of the reading period, you must work under an approved mentor for at least nine months. Your mentor is responsible for setting you up with an appropriate workspace in their chambers, showing you around the Bar, and introducing you to other barristers, as well as providing you with advice on your briefs.
Find out more information on the Victorian Bar website.
Step 6. Sign the Victorian Bar Roll of Counsel
Upon passing the Readers' Course, you'll sign the Victorian Bar Roll of Counsel and commence practice.
What does a barrister do?
What are the daily tasks and duties of a barrister?
- Spend time in court for bail hearings, pleas, trials and appeals
- Meet and confer with clients in chambers
- Prepare cross-examination questions for witnesses
- Draft written submissions and other court documents
- Attend court and negotiate with the opposing lawyer
- Appear in court, take evidence from witnesses and address the judge on the law and the facts
- Return to chambers after court to prepare for the next day or work on other cases.
What skills does a successful barrister need?
A successful barrister is a strong communicator, a careful thinker and a people person. They need to enjoy reading because much of their work involves going through complex documents and case law. They also need to be confident and comfortable working with people, from clients to judges and witnesses. Barristers must be able to take complicated facts, make sense of them, and build a clear, logical argument. They also need to speak clearly and think quickly in court, responding on the spot to questions and unexpected issues.
Where do barristers work?
Barristers usually split their time between chambers and court. Chambers are shared office spaces where barristers prepare their cases, meet clients and work with solicitors. They’re often located close to major courts and legal precincts, especially in city centres. Barristers appear in a range of courts and tribunals, from local and state courts through to federal courts and appeal courts, depending on their area of practice. They may also work in mediation centres, arbitration hearings and other dispute resolution settings.
How much do barristers earn?
The average salary for barristers in Australia is $95,000 per year*.
*Source: Seek.com.au 2026
Learn more about your law study options
Whether you're a Year 12 student weighing up your options or thinking about switching careers, RMIT's law courses provide a comprehensive and industry-focused education that can help you succeed as a barrister in Australia.
