What is a Barrister?
Understanding the role of a barrister is important for anyone involved in legal proceedings. Barristers are independent advocates who specialise in courtroom advocacy, complex legal advice and dispute resolution. In Brisbane, our barristers at 35 West Chambers assist clients and solicitors across a wide range of matters, appearing regularly in Queensland courts and mediations.
The Role of a Barrister
So, what is a barrister? A barrister is a lawyer who focuses on representing clients in court, preparing legal arguments, and advising solicitors on complex matters. Unlike solicitors, barristers are usually engaged for their specialist skills when a case requires expert advocacy or detailed analysis of the law.
- Courtroom advocacy – representing clients in trials, hearings and appeals
- Written advice – providing independent opinions on complex areas of law
- Supporting solicitors – working closely with solicitors who prepare and manage cases
- Mediation and negotiation – helping to resolve disputes outside of court when appropriate
Barristers bring objectivity to a matter, focusing on the legal issues and strategy required to achieve the best possible outcome.
Learn more about the profession from the Queensland Bar Association.
Barrister vs Lawyer: What’s the Difference?
Many people wonder about barrister vs lawyer. In Australia, the term “lawyer” includes both solicitors and barristers, but their roles differ:
Solicitors:
- First point of contact for clients
- Handle day-to-day case preparation, client communication and document drafting.
- May appear in lower courts
Barristers:
- Usually engaged through a solicitor
- Specialise in advocacy and high-level advice,
- Often engaged when a matter goes to court or requires an expert advocacy.
Both roles complement each other, ensuring clients receive thorough representation and advice. If you’d like to understand the role of solicitors further, visit the Queensland Law Society.
When Do You Need a Barrister?
There are many situations where a barrister’s expertise is essential. Common examples include:
- Court proceedings such as criminal trials, civil disputes and appeals
- Complex disputes involving detailed points of law or large volumes of evidence
- Regulatory or disciplinary hearings before tribunals or commissions of inquiry
- Alternative dispute resolution such as mediation or arbitration, where independent advocacy or negotiation skills are required
In Brisbane, barristers at 35 West Chambers regularly appear in the Supreme Court, District Court and Magistrates Courts, as well as federal jurisdictions. For more information about local courts, visit the Queensland Courts website.
Mediation and Dispute Resolution
Not every matter needs to go to trial. Many disputes can be resolved through mediation, a structured negotiation facilitated by an independent mediator. Barristers play an important role in this process, advising clients on strategy, presenting arguments, and helping to reach practical settlements.
Several of Our Barristers at 35 West Chambers are nationally accredited mediators, and our facilities in Brisbane are set up for both in-person and remote mediation sessions.
How to Engage a Barrister
Most people engage a barrister through their solicitor. The general process is:
- A solicitor contacts Chambers or the barrister to confirm expertise and availability
- The solicitor provides a brief and supporting documents
- The barrister advises on prospects, drafts submissions or appears in court or mediation
At 35 West Chambers, solicitors can contact members directly or through our Practice Manager, who is available for diary checks and enquiries.
Contact us to enquire about engaging a barrister.
Find a Barrister in Brisbane
35 West Chambers brings together experienced barristers in Brisbane who practise across family, criminal, commercial and many other areas of law. From courtroom advocacy to mediation, our members provide trusted guidance and representation.
Find your Barrister or Contact Us for further information.
Understanding the role of a barrister is important for anyone involved in legal proceedings. Barristers are independent advocates who specialise in courtroom advocacy, complex legal advice and dispute resolution. In Brisbane, our barristers at 35 West Chambers assist clients and solicitors across a wide range of matters, appearing regularly in Queensland courts and mediations.
The Role of a Barrister
So, what is a barrister? A barrister is a lawyer who focuses on representing clients in court, preparing legal arguments, and advising solicitors on complex matters. Unlike solicitors, barristers are usually engaged for their specialist skills when a case requires expert advocacy or detailed analysis of the law.
- Courtroom advocacy – representing clients in trials, hearings and appeals
- Written advice – providing independent opinions on complex areas of law
- Supporting solicitors – working closely with solicitors who prepare and manage cases
- Mediation and negotiation – helping to resolve disputes outside of court when appropriate
Barristers bring objectivity to a matter, focusing on the legal issues and strategy required to achieve the best possible outcome.
Learn more about the profession from the Queensland Bar Association.
Barrister vs Lawyer: What’s the Difference?
Many people wonder about barrister vs lawyer. In Australia, the term “lawyer” includes both solicitors and barristers, but their roles differ:
Solicitors:
- First point of contact for clients
- Handle day-to-day case preparation, client communication and document drafting.
- May appear in lower courts
Barristers:
- Usually engaged through a solicitor
- Specialise in advocacy and high-level advice,
- Often engaged when a matter goes to court or requires an expert advocacy.
Both roles complement each other, ensuring clients receive thorough representation and advice. If you’d like to understand the role of solicitors further, visit the Queensland Law Society.
When Do You Need a Barrister?
There are many situations where a barrister’s expertise is essential. Common examples include:
- Court proceedings such as criminal trials, civil disputes and appeals
- Complex disputes involving detailed points of law or large volumes of evidence
- Regulatory or disciplinary hearings before tribunals or commissions of inquiry
- Alternative dispute resolution such as mediation or arbitration, where independent advocacy or negotiation skills are required
In Brisbane, barristers at 35 West Chambers regularly appear in the Supreme Court, District Court and Magistrates Courts, as well as federal jurisdictions. For more information about local courts, visit the Queensland Courts website.
Mediation and Dispute Resolution
Not every matter needs to go to trial. Many disputes can be resolved through mediation, a structured negotiation facilitated by an independent mediator. Barristers play an important role in this process, advising clients on strategy, presenting arguments, and helping to reach practical settlements.
Several of Our Barristers at 35 West Chambers are nationally accredited mediators, and our facilities in Brisbane are set up for both in-person and remote mediation sessions.
How to Engage a Barrister
Most people engage a barrister through their solicitor. The general process is:
- A solicitor contacts Chambers or the barrister to confirm expertise and availability
- The solicitor provides a brief and supporting documents
- The barrister advises on prospects, drafts submissions or appears in court or mediation
At 35 West Chambers, solicitors can contact members directly or through our Practice Manager, who is available for diary checks and enquiries.
Contact us to enquire about engaging a barrister.
Find a Barrister in Brisbane
35 West Chambers brings together experienced barristers in Brisbane who practise across family, criminal, commercial and many other areas of law. From courtroom advocacy to mediation, our members provide trusted guidance and representation.
Find your Barrister or Contact Us for further information.