A guide for family solicitors cross-qualifying to the Bar

For many solicitors, the transition to the Bar offers an exciting opportunity to focus on advocacy, court work and independent practice. Whether you’re an experienced family solicitor looking for a new challenge or a solicitor-advocate seeking full rights of audience, cross-qualifying as a barrister can be a rewarding career move. 

At Unit Chambers, we actively support solicitors who want to make the leap to the Bar. Our mentorship, advocacy training and structured support provide a clear and practical route to a successful transition. If you’re considering cross-qualification, this guide will help you understand the process and how we can help you succeed. 

Why cross-qualify as a barrister? 

Solicitors often consider cross-qualifying for several reasons, including: 

• A passion for advocacy: greater time spent in court, presenting cases and arguing complex legal issues. 

• More autonomy: self-employed barristers have control over their practice and workload. 

• Higher earning potential: barristers typically charge on a case-by-case basis, often leading to higher fees. 

• Professional challenge: moving to the Bar can offer more strategic legal work and exciting career progression. 

"I joined Unit Chambers because I believed it was a modern, forward-thinking environment, and that’s exactly what it is. As a former solicitor frequently attending court, I wanted to transition to a role that allowed me to focus more on advocacy and legal research. At Unit, I face exciting challenges while still maintaining a healthy work-life balance." – Kim 

If you enjoy litigation and advocacy, cross-qualifying as a barrister could be the ideal next step in your legal career. 

How to cross-qualify as a barrister 

The process of cross-qualification varies depending on your legal experience, but it generally involves the following steps: 

1. Meeting the Bar Standards Board (BSB) requirements 

Solicitors wishing to qualify as barristers must apply to the Bar Standards Board (BSB) for transfer status. Depending on experience, you may be: 

• Exempt from the Bar Course if you have significant advocacy experience. 

• Required to complete additional training, such as the Bar Transfer Test (BTT). 

2. Completing the Bar Transfer Test (if required) 

The BTT assesses key barrister skills, including advocacy and legal drafting. It’s typically required for solicitors who haven’t previously obtained Higher Rights of Audience. 

3. Being called to the Bar 

Once you have met the training and qualification requirements, you must be Called to the Bar by an Inns of Court (Lincoln’s Inn, Gray’s Inn, Inner Temple, or Middle Temple). 

4. Securing tenancy or a Door-Tenant position 

Unlike newly qualified barristers who complete pupillage, cross-qualifying solicitors often apply directly for tenancy or door-tenancy in chambers that support solicitor-to-barrister transitions. 

At Unit, we welcome cross-qualifying solicitors and provide structured support to help them establish a successful barrister practice. 

How Unit Chambers supports your transition to the Bar 

At Unit Chambers, we understand that moving from solicitor to barrister comes with challenges but we have a tailored support system designed to help you succeed. 

1. Mentorship from experienced barristers 

Switching to independent practice can feel daunting, but at Unit, you’ll have access to mentors who have successfully made the transition. Our barristers provide: 

• Guidance on advocacy and court work 

• Practical career advice and case strategy discussions 

• Support in establishing and marketing your new practice 

2. Advocacy training and skills development 

Solicitors often have strong legal knowledge but need to refine their advocacy skills for the Bar. We provide: 

• Advocacy workshops and practice sessions 

• Mock hearings and case preparation training 

• Guidance on drafting opinions  

"Unit Chambers has lived up to, and exceeded, my expectations. I feel part of a team working together to progress and build our respective practices and chambers as a whole. We have an incredible support team catering to our day-to-day clerking, our practice aspirations, and personal branding." – Claire 

3. Marketing, branding and business development 

As a self-employed barrister, you’ll need to develop your own client base. Unit Chambers provides: 

• Personal branding and profile-building support 

• Website and social media marketing assistance 

• Networking opportunities with solicitors  

By helping you establish yourself quickly, we remove many of the barriers that cross-qualifying solicitors face when moving into independent practice. 

Ready to make the move? Join Unit Chambers 

If you’re considering cross-qualifying as a barrister, now is the time to take control of your legal career. At Unit Chambers, we provide the mentorship, advocacy training and structured support you need to build a successful practice at the Bar. 

• A collaborative and transparent chambers culture 

• Expert guidance on the solicitor-to-barrister transition 

• Opportunities to refine advocacy skills and grow your reputation 

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to hear from you. 

Find out more about cross-qualifying and joining Unit Chambers, drop us an email today.