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

Before your Family Barrister interview, it helps to see the questions from the interviewer's side. We have picked eight from our set of 12 and added the reason each one gets asked.

Eight Family Barrister interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. How does the court decide whether the threshold criteria are met in care proceedings under section 31 of the Children Act 1989?

Why they ask: Public law work depends on a precise understanding of the threshold and the court's approach.

2. How does Practice Direction 12J apply when domestic abuse is alleged in child arrangements cases?

Why they ask: Domestic abuse allegations arise constantly, and the court has strict procedures to follow.

3. What factors does the court consider in a financial remedy case under section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973?

Why they ask: Financial remedy work is a staple, and structured knowledge of section 25 is expected.

4. Talk me through how a Financial Dispute Resolution appointment works and how you would prepare for one.

Why they ask: FDRs are where many financial cases settle, so preparation and advocacy matter.

5. When may the court permit expert evidence in a children case, and how would you approach a request for a psychological assessment?

Why they ask: Expert evidence is a key area for case management and the test is strict.

6. Why do you want to practise family law at the Bar, and how do you cope with the emotional side of the work?

Why they ask: Family work is emotionally demanding, so they look for realism and resilience.

7. Your client's Form E is served, but you later discover she has not disclosed a significant overseas account. What do you do?

Why they ask: Duty to the court and the integrity of financial disclosure are crucial.

8. Tell me about a time you helped a case settle at or before the final hearing.

Why they ask: Family advocates are expected to resolve disputes, not simply fight them.

A sample answer to question 1

How does the court decide whether the threshold criteria are met in care proceedings under section 31 of the Children Act 1989?

Under section 31(2), the court may make a care or supervision order only if the child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm, and the harm or likelihood of harm is attributable to the care given, or likely to be given, if the order were not made, not being what a reasonable parent would give, or the child being beyond parental control. The local authority must prove the facts on the balance of probabilities, as set out in Re B, and suspicion is not enough. Findings must be specific, so the threshold document is usually a schedule of allegations, each evidence-based. Once threshold is crossed, the court moves to the welfare stage, applying section 1 of the Act, and must carry out a proper analysis of the realistic options, as Re B-S and Re B require, with removal permitted only where nothing else will do. I would test the local authority's evidence and consider the parents' position carefully, including any steps to reduce the harm.

Common mistake to avoid: Mixing threshold with welfare; Treating allegations as proven

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 12 questions are on the Family Barrister interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.