Applications to join the List should be emailed to the following:
List Secretary: Colette Mintz colette.mintz@vicbar.com.au
Barristers' Clerks: John Dever (jdever@vicbar.com.au), Phillip Dever
(pdever@vicbar.com.au) and Michael Dever (mdever@vicbar.com.au)
Please include a resume and covering letter together with any referrals that have been provided to you (this can be limited to listing said referees; letters of referral are not mandatory)
The List Chair is Philip Solomon KC
Guidelines for applications to places on Lists can be found here.
The clerks at Dever's List can also assist you if you are looking for a mentor.“From Solicitor to the Bar: A Clerk's Perspective on the Journey"
John, Phillip and Michael Dever, Barristers’ Clerks, Dever’s List
Here we explore the pathways, challenges, and realities of life at the Victorian Bar. We are Barristers’ Clerks at Dever’s List and see this as being directed to young lawyers—or even law students—who are thinking about making that bold step into life as a barrister. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like, what you need to consider, and how to prepare, then this might assist.
Why the Bar?
Let’s start with the big question: Why come to the Bar at all? Many solicitors are drawn to the Bar because of the intellectual independence, the courtroom advocacy, and the autonomy that comes with running your own practice. But—and this is critical—it’s a big leap. You're leaving the security of a salary and entering a world where you're essentially running a one-person business. The question we often ask prospective barristers is: Do you want to be a sole practitioner? Because that’s what this is. You’re not just a lawyer—you are running a small legal business of one, albeit with your clerks help in a lot of the strategies, bookkeeping, billing and other admin tasks.
Timing is Everything
One of the most common questions we hear: When is the right time to come to the Bar? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but generally, a few years of experience in litigation, dispute resolution, or even transactional work can be helpful. You’ll be expected to advise confidently, draft quickly, and appear in court with clarity. Having said that, The Victorian Bar is a wide church where there is a massive amount of mentoring available 24/7, you are not alone.
The Financial Realities
There’s a real financial dip in the early days. Most readers don't earn much in their first six to twelve months. You’re investing in yourself—paying for the Bar Readers’ Course, chambers, insurance, and other setup costs. A prudent financial buffer—think 6–12 months of living expenses—is not just smart; it’s essential. And while support is there, from your List and colleagues, you need to be prepared for some lean times at the start.
Choosing a List
This is where we come in. Every barrister in Victoria is part of a List. Dever’s List is one of them—and we’re proud of the work we do to support our members, especially new barristers. A good List should help you build your practice, manage your briefs, and offer you practical day-to-day support—whether that’s fee collection, client introductions, or just advice when you're not sure what to do next. When you're choosing a List, don’t just look at size. Look at culture. Look at accessibility. Ask yourself: Can I see myself building my career here?
Mentoring and Support
At the Bar, mentoring is critical. The Bar does a fantastic job of structuring support through the Readers’ Course, and each new barrister has a mentor. But beyond that, you need to be proactive about building relationships—because collegiality is part of the Bar’s DNA. Talk to barristers in your area of interest. Ask them about their practice. Get a sense of the demands, the flow of work, and the lifestyle. It’s not 9-to-5. It’s not always predictable. But it is incredibly rewarding for the right person.
Final Thoughts
So—should you come to the Bar? Only you can answer that.
But ask yourself:
Am I ready to be self-employed?
Do I thrive under pressure and in uncertainty?
Do I love advocacy and problem-solving?
Do I have the resilience to build something from the ground up?
If the answer is “yes,” then the Bar might just be your next great move. And remember—no one succeeds at the Bar alone. Your Clerk, your mentor, your peers—we’re all part of the village that helps you build your practice. If you’d like to have a conversation about coming to the Bar, or about joining Dever’s List, you can always reach out. We are happy to talk.
If you found this helpful, please share it with someone who’s considering the Bar.
As the Barristers Clerk for the List, via Devers List Pty Ltd, the barristers are charged 4% of gross fees received, up to a ceiling of $1.1m.
Supporting You with a Full Range of Services
Dever’s List employs 15 dedicated staff to provide comprehensive support to counsel, including: