The Channel 4 series "Barristers" provides a rare insight into the world of courtroom advocacy but how well does it capture the true challenges of life at the Bar? Lawyer Monthly spoke with Saadiya Ahmad and Nurun Choudhury from the University of East London’s Legal Advice Centre who shared their perspectives on the show.
From the perspective of the UEL Legal Advice Centre the Channel 4 programme "Barristers" has the potential to shape public perception in both positive and challenging ways. Barristers are often viewed as detached, inaccessible and somewhat superior – a perception reinforced by the formal wigs and gowns they wear, which serve to distance the individual from their professional role, allowing them to focus on the pursuit of justice. While this traditional image is intentional, it can also contribute to misconceptions about the profession.
In the Channel 4 series barristers are presented as real people, each with their own motivations for practising law. The show captures the deep ethical conflicts and personal reflections that often accompany their work, offering a behind-the-scenes view of the intense preparation required for every courtroom appearance. This transparency helps challenge the common misconception that barristers are simply hired counsel or disconnected legal practitioners, instead highlighting the human side of the profession and the moral complexities they navigate.
Furthermore, the programme gives insight into the diversity of cases barristers handle, the misconception that barristers are extortionately paid for what they do and only deal with high-profile criminal trials is proved wrong. They represent clients in all legal matters including family disputes; immigration matters and social justice issues. The series is a good teaching tool for students at UEL and the Legal Advice Centre to understand what is involved personally and professionally in becoming a barrister. You could be involved in cases that directly affect ordinary people, including those from a vulnerable or marginalised background.
We would say that the series makes some effort in revealing the legal process for the public, though there is still room for further demystification.
The series provides an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look into the UK legal system, exploring real-life cases. However, a more complete picture would have included some of the additional challenges faced, such as delays, barriers to access, and declining funding – issues that, as some have warned, risk undermining faith in the justice system both externally and within.
The ongoing impacts of legal aid cuts have resulted in overworked and underpaid practitioners at the Bar, with many leaving to pursue different careers with greater stability resulting in challenges faced by both victims and defendants.
While the series has significantly contributed to public understanding of the legal system, it is essential for viewers to approach the portrayal with a critical eye. It has served as a valuable starting point for those interested in the workings of the law, but could be enhanced with additional resources. For a more thorough understanding, future episodes could delve deeper into how barristers manage their caseloads on a daily basis. It would also be particularly useful for our aspiring lawyers at UEL, to follow the personal story of one of the barristers. Such as highlighting how long it took them to qualify, the barriers they faced and what inspired them to pursue a career in law. This level of insight would not only inform viewers, but also motivate those considering a legal career.
Furthermore, a series focused on how barristers are instructed on matters would be useful, how they evaluate evidence, build arguments and prepare for hearings.
Understanding the emotional, practical and intellectual demands of the profession and whether it is truly a round-the-clock career, would give future legal professionals a more realistic and grounded perspective on what the role entails.
The series could have a significant impact on aspiring lawyers from underrepresented and marginalised backgrounds, particularly those studying at UEL who may not have established connections in the legal profession. By offering an upfront and honest behind the scenes look into the profession, the series helps to expose a career that could often appear as exclusive and inaccessible. It provides an insight into the daily realities of life in chambers, and the challenges of courtroom advocacy. These are experiences that many students may never otherwise witness. For those from marginalised communities, the visibility of diverse stories (when included) can be deeply validating, reinforcing the idea that they too can succeed in such spaces.
Beyond this, the series shines a light on systemic barriers such as the legal training and the dominance of elite institutions, whilst also humanising the role by portraying barristers as complex, often conflicted ‘normal’ individuals.
This balance of realism and inspiration can motivate students to pursue their legal goal, preparing them with a clearer understanding of the profession’s demands and encouraging them by giving them a strong sense of purpose, especially if they hope to use the law as a tool for social justice or community empowerment.
This article was written by:
Saadiya Ahmad
Associate Professor
Head of Health Partnerships - Projects of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and President
Associate Dean for Careers and Enterprise.
Practising Solicitor & Director of Legal Advice Centre
University of East London
Nurun Choudhury
Supervising Solicitor & Lead for the Legal Advice Centre
Lecturer
University of East London
