Start Right: Building a Career at the Bar

An underlying insight from our Inside the Brief interviews was some advice for barristers new to the profession. Some of the themes are set out below.

For junior barristers, one of the most pressing questions is: Where will the next brief come from? The answer, more often than not, lies in relationships.

Visibility Matters

Retired barrister David O’Neill offers a clear directive: Get into Chambers. “You can’t run a civil or commercial practice from the boot of your car or from home. That’s not the image you should be portraying. If you’re a commercial barrister, look like one. You need to be visible to get referrals.”

Visibility isn’t just about having a professional space: it’s about being seen in the right places. Courtroom exposure is invaluable. “Get time in court as a junior,” David advises. “Being there and watching how it’s done is incredibly educational and also exposes the young barrister to the courtroom and the art of advocacy without the stress.

The Power of Personal Connections

It is unlikely that you will get referrals for work from the internet. Referrals remain deeply rooted in personal networks. Shaun underscores the importance of face-to-face introductions. “One of the things I very much endorse – and has made a big difference to us over the years - is the importance of people who are new to the Bar making the effort to go and meet people. Go and meet the practitioners who may refer them work.”

While digital outreach has its place, Shaun believes nothing beats a personal touch. “There’s a tendency now for people to send out a flashy email, but I don’t think it can be underrated how valuable it is to actually go out and introduce yourself, maybe make an appointment, pick up a coffee, and have a yarn. One of our strongest barrister relationships started with a phone call and a coffee. That’s how trust starts.”

Referrals: A Network Game

Referrals remain deeply rooted in personal networks. “We rely on our senior barrister colleagues to help us identify where the talent is,” Shaun explains. “Often who they’ve seen in Chambers, or engaged with at Court, or know through someone else who’s got the personality and instincts that we’d work well with.”

Tanya Wood, agrees. “In the area we work in, there’s a relatively small number of specialist barristers, so they almost become obvious by their specialist skill set. The next generation coming up behind is already becoming visible as they gain more experience and meet that criteria.”

When preferred barristers are unavailable, Tanya says they lean into trusted recommendations. “Our clients do a lot of legal work and often have their own list of preferred barristers, so sometimes it’s a combination of both.”

Leveraging and creating other networks

Legal networking doesn’t need to be confined to formal events; even casual conversations at social or industry gatherings can lead to valuable connections. Alumni groups, university contacts, and sports clubs are all legitimate starting points for growing networks.

It is also critical to raise your profile within your industry group by staying actively engaged and visible. Keep your directory profile up to date so that you're easily found and accurately represented. Get involved in CPD events - and ideally presenting at them – to showcase your expertise and build credibility. Joining a working committee allows you to contribute to the profession’s development while expanding your network. Finally, write articles for industry publications to demonstrate your analytical and writing skills. Together, these actions build trust, recognition, and opportunities for career growth.

Jane Barrow, a barrister at Britomart Chambers, highlights the value of working with others. “Working as junior counsel to other barristers is a great way to build up advocacy experience and confidence. It exposes you to a wider range of practice areas and styles than you may otherwise get.”

But don't forget Technology

Legal tech fluency is a career advantage. Junior barristers often enter practice with strong skills in digital platforms and AI for research, automation, and case management. This efficiency adds value, sets them apart in the market, and, combined with advocacy and relationship-building, positions them as forward-thinking professionals.

LinkedIn is another powerful tool for junior barristers to build visibility and credibility. A well-crafted profile acts as a digital business card, showcasing your expertise, interests, and personality. Sharing insights, commenting on legal developments, and celebrating milestones helps build a consistent presence.

Conclusion: Relationships Are Your Foundation

Establishing a career at the Bar isn’t just about legal skill. It’s about being proactive, visible, and genuinely engaged with the legal community. Whether it’s a coffee with a solicitor, time spent in court, or collaboration with senior counsel, every connection helps embed you into the profession and opens doors to future opportunities.

_{Shaun Hoskin is an Associate at Nielsen Law
Tanya Wood is a partner at Duncan Cotterill
Jane Barrow Barrister at Britomart Chambers
David O'Neill retired Barrister and NZBA ex-treasurer}