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Law vocabulary · Legal Professions

Barrister

Meaning in law, with examples

/ˈbærɪstə/nounCommon term

In law, barrister means: In England, Wales and some other common law countries, a lawyer who specialises in arguing cases in court and giving expert legal opinions.

In Turkish: barrister, duruşma avukatı

How it is used

Barristers usually work in 'chambers', not firms, and are mostly 'instructed' by solicitors. They 'appear in court', 'draft pleadings' and 'give opinions'. Senior barristers can be appointed King's Counsel (KC).

Example sentences

  1. We will instruct a barrister to represent the company at the trial.

  2. The barrister's written opinion says our claim has good prospects.

Common collocations

  • instruct a barrister
  • barrister's chambers
  • junior barrister
  • practise as a barrister
  • solicitorIn England, Wales and some other countries, a lawyer who advises clients directly, prepares documents and runs cases, but usually does not argue in the higher courts.
  • counselThe lawyer or lawyers who represent a party in court; in the UK it often means a barrister. A lawyer employed by a company is called in-house counsel.
  • barThe legal profession as a whole, especially lawyers who are allowed to argue in court; in the UK it means barristers as a group.
  • lawyerA person trained and qualified in law who advises clients and represents them in legal matters; the general word that covers attorneys, solicitors and barristers.

More terms: Legal Professions

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.