A Level Law Practice Exam

Where do most employed barristers typically work?

1. In large law firms

2. From a set of chambers

3. Within corporate legal departments

4. In government positions

The correct answer is: From a set of chambers

Most employed barristers typically work from a set of chambers because this is the traditional practice setting for barristers in many jurisdictions, including England and Wales. Chambers provide a collaborative environment where barristers share administrative costs, resources, and support staff while maintaining their independence in practice. This structure allows barristers to focus on their areas of expertise and benefit from the collective knowledge of their peers. In contrast, while some barristers may work in large law firms or corporate legal departments, these roles are more typical of solicitors. Barristers are primarily self-employed and work independently of any firm, although there are some employed barristers who may work in specific contexts or arrangements, but they are generally the minority compared to those who operate from chambers. Additionally, barristers may work in government positions, but this is also a smaller subset of the overall barrister population. Therefore, the chambers setting is the most representative of where most employed barristers typically practice.