Before I joined the criminal Bar, I was prepared for the worst. The prevailing narrative is overwhelmingly negative: the hours are relentless, the pay is unsustainable and the future of the profession is uncertain. It’s a story that often discourages those who are passionate about criminal law from entering the profession. You don’t have to look far to find stark warnings about burnout, underfunding and the attrition of talent. For anyone considering the criminal Bar, it can sound like a dismal prospect.

But now, 18 months into practice, I can say with confidence that the reality is far more balanced, and in many ways much more rewarding than the reputation suggests. That’s not to downplay the challenges. They are real. But so too are the opportunities, the variety and the immense satisfaction that comes with this work.

Let’s start with the issue that dominates most discussions about the criminal Bar: remuneration. I expected to struggle financially for a long time. In fact, the phrase ‘you don’t do it for the money’ is so often repeated it almost becomes a rite of passage. What I’ve found instead is that, while the early stages can be tough (as with any self-employed role), the pay has been better than anticipated. In fact, I now earn considerably more than I did in my previous employed positions as a solicitor working in criminal law.

Once again, I am not downplaying the realities of the situation. I have no doubt that if I were to undertake work in almost any other area of law, the remuneration would be significantly higher. Rates of pay for non-trial work in criminal law should definitely be increased. They certainly don’t reflect the time and effort that we put into such hearings. However, once a criminal barrister builds a practice with a regular flow of Crown Court trials, a healthy income will follow.

You will need to take the rough with the smooth and build your reputation steadily. Of course, income at the criminal Bar fluctuates depending on the type of work and your stage in practice. The idea that you will necessarily struggle to make ends meet just doesn’t reflect my experience, nor that of many of my colleagues. Criminal practice can offer not only professional fulfilment but also a viable, sustainable income. Your take-home pay is likely to fluctuate each month, so it’s important to plan your finances accordingly. Legal aid payments typically arrive after a case concludes, and there may be delays in being paid once a case is invoiced. Keep in mind that the amount you invoice each month may not reflect what you actually receive.

Another fear that may exist for those thinking about the criminal Bar, is around developing a practice. Specifically, the idea that it can take time to build contacts and regular work. This was my primary fear when I decided to join the self-employed Bar. I previously had a nice salary, pension and all the other perks of an employed role.

From day one, my diary was full. Not only was the volume of work high, but the quality was strong and consistent. I thought that once I made the leap, I would initially be in court a handful of days per week at most. In reality, I found myself on my feet almost every day, often handling complex and substantial matters right from the outset.

At present, the volume of criminal work is exceptionally high. I’ve spoken to colleagues across Circuits who’ve confirmed the same. It may be cyclical, but right now, there is a clear and pressing need for junior barristers in the field. Part of this may be due to attrition. Many experienced practitioners have left the criminal Bar in recent years, but that has created opportunities for those entering or establishing their practices now. I have spoken to several barristers who have said that they are seeing people undertake more significant cases much earlier than would have been the case in the past.

My own caseload spans a broad spectrum. A portion of my caseload involves motoring offences, where I’ve developed a particular specialism, alongside a stable Crown Court practice. In my first year alone, I was instructed in several multi-handed conspiracy trials and a variety of other offences, from robbery and GBH to drugs supply and sexual offences. The breadth and depth of work available ensures that no two days are ever the same.

That said, the hours can be long and a strong work ethic is required. A particular quirk of my practice is the significant amount of travel involved. Undertaking motoring cases, I travel to courts far and wide. The job demands energy and adaptability. There are nights when I’ve returned home after 10pm, only to begin preparing for the next day’s hearing. For some, that’s a deterrent; for others, it’s simply part of the territory. However, I can imagine that for those with families and other commitments, this can present a significant strain at times. But for those who genuinely enjoy criminal law, and particularly courtroom advocacy, it’s hard to imagine a more dynamic or fulfilling profession. You perform advocacy and make a difference – every single day.

There is also a unique camaraderie at the criminal Bar. It’s a tight-knit community where support is often found in unexpected places: in the robing room before a difficult hearing, in late-night calls with colleagues offering last-minute insights, or even in shared frustrations over listing chaos and traffic jams. The collegiality is real, and it matters.

None of this is to suggest that the criminal justice system is without problems. The system needs continued investment, proper legal aid funding and structural reform to ensure it remains sustainable in the long term. Chronic delays, under-resourced courts, and the continued relentless workload are all real concerns. But I believe we do the profession a disservice when we speak only of its struggles and none of its strengths.

What I wish I had known before I joined the criminal Bar is that success in this field is not only possible, but entirely realistic. The narrative of despair that surrounds the criminal Bar only tells one half of the story. Yes, it’s a demanding job. Yes, the landscape is tough. But it is also an extraordinary privilege to do the work we do. Every case presents a new challenge, and every client is an opportunity to advocate, persuade, and, often, truly help someone at a critical moment in their life.

So, to anyone considering a career at the criminal Bar: don’t be discouraged. Come in with your eyes open, certainly – but don’t let fear cloud the prospect. There is meaningful work to be done here, and in plentiful supply. The job isn’t perfect. There are many improvements that are desperately required to improve the lives of those working at the criminal Bar (and those in the criminal justice system more generally). But what I can say is that this is a profession where you will thoroughly enjoy the work that you are doing. The thrill of delivering a good closing speech is almost unmatched. And, while it could be a lot better, the remuneration is not bad either.

If you are genuinely interested in a career at the criminal Bar, go for it!

And that, I think, is something worth saying out loud.