So many students leave Oxford for a career in law, and so many of those have high hopes of a career at the bar. But becoming a barrister is an increasingly difficult task, due both to the draw of the profession and to the limited number of pupillages available to graduates in any given year.

To find out a bit more about becoming a barrister, we spoke to Craig Carr, who is 25 and a barrister at a leading London Chambers. He graduated with a law degree from St.Catz, Oxford, in 2004.

Tell us about yourself!

I’m a barrister in private practice at a large set of common law chambers in London.
I studied law at St. Catz Oxford 2001-04 followed by the BVC at ICSL. I was called (Middle Temple) in 2005. My practice is Court based civil and criminal law.

Did you always want to be a lawyer?

My first exposure to the legal profession came when I was 15, I did a work experience placement at a firm of solicitors. I spent the week in a Crown Court sitting following a criminal trial. I spent part of the summer holidays over the next three years working for the same firm. It was during that time that I became sure that it was I wanted to do.

Did you enjoy the law degree?

Yes I did, I had some fantastic tutors who made all the difference. Although I found a couple of areas were quite dry, for the most part it was stimulating subject.

What were your favourite and least favourite things about Oxford?

My favourite was the people. I met, and became friends with, some truly incredible individuals. Least favourite was probably finals. The pressure that you put yourself under is quite immense, though it is almost worth it for the relief/jubilation you feel when you walk out of your last exam and that partying that follows.

What else did you get up to at University?

I studied law, there wasn’t too much else! I ran a club night (Hit & Run) for just over a year along with some friends. This was a perfect activity in a way, as it took place outside of normal ‘working’ hours, and it was a good way to meet people too. I was also President of the college law society, where I did some mooting.

How did you find the whole process of getting a pupillage, is it as hard as people think?

The application process is quite straightforward, the OLPAS application system is similar to UCAS. It can be difficult to get a pupillage as the competition is fierce. Chambers tend to take between 1 and 3 pupils per year and some may receive hundreds of applications. But hopefully this won’t put you off! Interested applicants should rememeber that competition for Oxbridge places is similarly fierce…

Do you have any tips for wannabe barristers in their final year at University?

Concentrate on making your CV as strong as possible. Start preparing your CV/application form as early as possible. You can look at the OLPAS application form online and see the information that you are required to submit. Get involved in mooting if you can and try to arrange mini-pupillages. Prepare yourself for a grilling in the interview – but remember that your arguing and debating skills have probably much improved since you arrived at Oxford or Cambridge. Researching the chambers you are applying to is also very important, and don’t forget to research the area of law that you want to practice.