Criminal Bar - To be or not to be?

It was only yesterday I was sat with a member of the bar who deals with (mainly) family law and RTA cases. She asked me what area of law I was interested in and what did I want to work in when I graduate? I paused my response for a brief moment - I had always wanted to work in criminal law but all I ever hear of late are negative comments, or articles, which basically say to us, "the law students" - don't bother.

I am really interested in criminal law and definitely wanted to become a barrister rather than a solicitor - I like the thought of wearing a wig and gown as well as dealing with serious high profile cases. And I told this to the barrister. Yet, she strongly advised against it! But why?

…Because there is very limited legal aid for this type of work and cases are taking a lot longer to get through the system, she said. Prosecuting cases for the CPS is just too stressful and nine times out of ten you only get ten minutes or so to look through the case that you are prosecuting that same day.

This made me think. The comments she had made all rang true with what everyone else in the legal profession and media were saying. What was I going to do? My interest has always been in crime and working with offenders - now that everything is changing is there any point in continuing my law degree? I decided to be a bit cheeky and ask the question: "well what sort of legal work would you advise me to consider when I graduate?" Her response was very direct, and she said, "look at international contract law, finance, accounting, business and banking. That's where the money is".

I was really disheartened by this conversation but I kind of understand where she is coming from! I didn't want to go into criminal law for the money, it was more out of interest and wanting to ensure that every defendant gets the representation they are entitled to and don't often get.

So what are your views on the criminal bar? Is it worth it or not? Do you have any stories or feedback from the legal profession in relation to the current changes and how it will affect us "law students" in the future?

Leave your thoughts and opinions below and lets discuss this together!

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