Book excerpt: Misunderstandings and jargon prevent many from seriously considering a career as a barrister in the belief that such a career is not for them or that they are not for it. Others know that they might want to become barristers but not how to go about it, or just want to know more about this somewhat mysterious profession. This book (by a barrister who was formerly a university law lecturer) clearly but informally explains the traditions, terminology and institutions of the Bar, and what it is actually like to be a barrister. With this aim, several barristers practising in different fields describe in detail a typical week in their life. Advice is then given on how to be accepted into, fund and survive the various academic and other stages that precede qualification as a barrister, including work experience, Bar School, and pupillage (the barrister's apprenticeship). Space is also given to how to transfer to the Bar after another legal or non-legal career. This second edition is fully updated to take account of the changes to the Bar, training for it and the process of recruitment to it. Adam Kramer regularly provides updates to this book, which can be seen at: www.hartpub.co.uk/updates/bewigged-updates