The following skills are essential for success as a Barrister:

• Research abilities
• Good memory and ability to organise information
• Good written and spoken communication skills
• Ability to present an argument in person or in writing
• Ability to work as part of a team

Barristers are expected to complete their BPTC and Pupillage before they are considered qualified

Solicitors require;

• An analytical mind, to understand and use large amounts of information
• The ability to make decisions
• Good time management skills
• Problem solving skills
• Client service skills
• The ability to find ways to save the client money and to serve their interests
• Good communication skills

This section gives some idea of the skills and personality types needed to become a lawyer, barrister or legal executive

Use this page to look at the ups and downs of working in this sector, and to think about what skills you might need to develop to be successful

UCAS defines commercial awareness as understanding "...the economics of the business. Understands the business benefits and commercial realities from both the organisation's and the customer's perspectives"