Prospects as aspiring barrister
Hello all.
To give a sense for my situation, I started this academic year (my final year) completely convinced I wanted to become a solicitor, without giving much thought to the bar.
Since then, I have become increasingly interested in a career as a barrister as a result of a couple of university moots which I really enjoyed. Furthermore, I study History and many of the things I enjoy about History are obviously reflected in the work of a barrister - with the additional joy of getting to say it all in court.
Mini CV
Academics: Expecting (fingers crossed) a first from top 5 non-Oxbridge university, studying History
Legal work experience: vac scheme at an international arbitration-focused firm, incoming vac scheme at a Silver Circle firm, incoming summer intern in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution department at a leading Singaporean law firm
Mooting experience: semi finalist in a moot organised by my uni Law society and a commercial law firm, victor in a moot organised by my uni Law society and the Singaporean firm I mentioned (hence the work experience)
However, I haven’t engaged with the bar at all through open days or mini pupillages. I am also not exceptional (like many I see going for the bar).
What are my prospects if I was to pivot away?
Would it be wise to ask (with some gravity) to do a disputes seat during my vac scheme?
I would like some flexibility on working internationally. Can barristers easily find work outside of the UK?
Would appreciate any advice at all because I am young and know nothing!
Edit: I’m mostly interested in commercial sets - cliche but I really did enjoy learning about international arbitration