Barrister Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Before your Barrister interview, it helps to see the questions from the interviewer's side. We have picked eight from our set of 25 and added the reason each one gets asked.

Eight Barrister interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. How do you prepare for cross-examination of a witness, and what techniques do you use?

Why they ask: Cross-examination is the heart of advocacy and every pupillage and tenancy panel tests it.

2. What is the structure and purpose of a good skeleton argument?

Why they ask: Written advocacy is central to modern practice and they want to see you understand what judges value.

3. How would you advise a client on the prospects of success in their case?

Why they ask: Advice on merits is a core barrister skill, balancing candour and judgement.

4. What are the rules on the admissibility of hearsay and bad character evidence in criminal proceedings?

Why they ask: Evidence law knowledge is expected from a criminal practitioner.

5. How does disclosure work in criminal cases, and what are the prosecution's duties under the CPIA 1996?

Why they ask: They test knowledge of a key procedural safeguard.

6. Your client tells you on the morning of the trial that he committed the offence but still wants to plead not guilty and give evidence that he didn't. What do you do?

Why they ask: They test your understanding of professional ethics under pressure.

7. Tell me about a time you had to think on your feet in a hearing or mock trial.

Why they ask: They want evidence of advocacy under pressure.

8. What does a typical day in the life of a junior barrister involve?

Why they ask: They want to check you understand the reality of the work.

A sample answer to question 1

How do you prepare for cross-examination of a witness, and what techniques do you use?

Preparation starts with knowing my case theory and the two or three points I need the witness to concede. I go through the papers, the witness statements and the documents for inconsistencies, and I build a chronology. I plan the questions in chapters, using short, closed, leading questions that make one point at a time, so that I control the witness. I avoid asking a question to which I do not know the answer unless the risk is low. I put my case to the witness where the rules require, because under Browne v Dunn principles, I must challenge matters on which I intend to rely. I stay courteous, watch the witness and the judge, and I adapt if the evidence goes differently. I also know when to stop: when I have what I need, I sit down.

Common mistake to avoid: Asking open questions; Cross-examining for too long

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 25 questions are on the Barrister interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.