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Intellectual ability, strong written communication skills, the ability to distil the complex into the simple, drive and resilience – James Saunders and Millie Rai expand on these key attributes
The answer to what makes the ideal Chancery barrister is not far removed from other areas of law; there is simply a difference in emphasis on certain skills.
Chancery is a catch-all for a broad spectrum, from trusts and wills through real property, to insolvency and broader commercial practice. Cases remain fact heavy and often span multiple areas of law. Chambers will look for evidence of your ability to process the factual and legal issues efficiently, to argue them, and to explain them coherently. Evidence will come from your academic record but also importantly your performance in interviews, which often feature problem questions and mock advocacy tasks or opinions.
Chancery barristers live a lot of their professional life on paper. So, while strong oral advocacy and people skills remain crucial, written persuasion is key. Your application form is your first – and sometimes only – forum to demonstrate this skill. Consider writing for publications or university journals to further evidence your abilities on the page.
Complex mixtures of law and fact demand the ability to simplify. Aside from familiarity with the subject matter, the best way to achieve this is pausing for time to think during interview. Giving a considered, clear, and simple answer is better than a swift but messy one.
Chancery work typically involves less time in court than other areas (though there can still be plenty of advocacy). What is required is a drive to build a practice, stamina in dealing with complex caseloads across various areas of law, and an ability to thrive on paperwork as well as the thrill of the courtroom.
The Chancery Bar Association is the specialist Bar association for barristers appearing in the Business and Property Courts and Tribunals. From 1 October 2026, the name of the existing Chancery Division will be changed to the Business and Property Division.
James Saunders is a barrister at New Square Chambers, with a multi-specialist practice across a range of complementary commercial chancery areas.
Millie Rai is a barrister at New Square Chambers specialising in commercial chancery practice, including trusts and estates, property, commercial litigation, company and insolvency. She has a first-class degree in law from University College London.
The answer to what makes the ideal Chancery barrister is not far removed from other areas of law; there is simply a difference in emphasis on certain skills.
Chancery is a catch-all for a broad spectrum, from trusts and wills through real property, to insolvency and broader commercial practice. Cases remain fact heavy and often span multiple areas of law. Chambers will look for evidence of your ability to process the factual and legal issues efficiently, to argue them, and to explain them coherently. Evidence will come from your academic record but also importantly your performance in interviews, which often feature problem questions and mock advocacy tasks or opinions.
Chancery barristers live a lot of their professional life on paper. So, while strong oral advocacy and people skills remain crucial, written persuasion is key. Your application form is your first – and sometimes only – forum to demonstrate this skill. Consider writing for publications or university journals to further evidence your abilities on the page.
Complex mixtures of law and fact demand the ability to simplify. Aside from familiarity with the subject matter, the best way to achieve this is pausing for time to think during interview. Giving a considered, clear, and simple answer is better than a swift but messy one.
Chancery work typically involves less time in court than other areas (though there can still be plenty of advocacy). What is required is a drive to build a practice, stamina in dealing with complex caseloads across various areas of law, and an ability to thrive on paperwork as well as the thrill of the courtroom.
The Chancery Bar Association is the specialist Bar association for barristers appearing in the Business and Property Courts and Tribunals. From 1 October 2026, the name of the existing Chancery Division will be changed to the Business and Property Division.
Intellectual ability, strong written communication skills, the ability to distil the complex into the simple, drive and resilience – James Saunders and Millie Rai expand on these key attributes
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