Dear Readers,

Can anyone describe the life on BVC and generalise about what sort of pay one can expect for a Barrister both inside and outisde of London?

The BVC is generally a fairly easy affair and nothing to worry about.

The problem is actually getting a pupillage - only 50% of BVC students achieve this (last time I read the statistics anyway).

You don't actually make a 'salary' as barristers are self-employed. An exception is during pupillage, when you will receive a salary from chambers.

The money you can make varies widely depending you your field of practice and location. Britain seems to have 'rich barristers' and 'poor barristers'. Eg corporate work can be very financially rewarding; whereas working in a small provincial criminal law chambers defending benefit fraudsters and muggers will not make you a great deal of money.

The average earnings for a barrister in 2008 was £40,000 (not great compared to what associates earn in London and big city firms).

Of course, it's not all about the money!

Thank you very much.