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Confessions of a Barrister
From the people who brought you the bestselling Confessions of a GP.
Russell is a young criminal Barrister. It’s his job to defend the people who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law – Petty thieves, career criminals, drug dealers and murderers…
The scary son of a famous footballer, whose violent behaviour has got him in trouble so many times he almost knows the law better than Russell.
The thief of a marital aid, who has a rather unusual defence.
The 27 year old drug addict accused of stealing a push-bike, a chainsaw, a bag full of washing and a small fridge – all at the same time.
And Russell’s first murder case – a young woman accused of murdering her violent boyfriend.
This fascinating insight takes us behind the closed doors of the British legal world. With plenty of drama inside – and outside – of the courtroom, you’ll find out how CCTV can make or break a case, how your Facebook page could land you in jail and why on earth they wear those funny wigs!
Russell is a young criminal Barrister. It’s his job to defend the people who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law – Petty thieves, career criminals, drug dealers and murderers…
The scary son of a famous footballer, whose violent behaviour has got him in trouble so many times he almost knows the law better than Russell.
The thief of a marital aid, who has a rather unusual defence.
The 27 year old drug addict accused of stealing a push-bike, a chainsaw, a bag full of washing and a small fridge – all at the same time.
And Russell’s first murder case – a young woman accused of murdering her violent boyfriend.
This fascinating insight takes us behind the closed doors of the British legal world. With plenty of drama inside – and outside – of the courtroom, you’ll find out how CCTV can make or break a case, how your Facebook page could land you in jail and why on earth they wear those funny wigs!
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2015
94 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 13, 2023
The end of this book made me cry (happy tears)! Such a beautiful memoir. If I could give it more then 5 stars, I would! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 11, 2016
winnock (whoever he is) is nowhere near as funny as he thinks he is or wants to be.
December 2, 2015
Simply addictive and full of emotion. Funny moments, sad moments and the odd tear jerker. Perfect.
May 28, 2023
I loved this book! A great mixture of real life court cases, and explanations about the world of barristers, chambers and the criminal law justice system.
October 10, 2024
Good book, that gives an insight to life as a barrister. There is a central story to it, that follows the author; an enjoyable easy read
June 17, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book which was an interesting mixture of humour and information/facts about some aspects of the legal system. Yes there are sexist overtones and some bits which I confess I raised an eyebrow - some "politically incorrect" moments, but hey-ho what's new, it's everywhere. At least it was honest.
The book kept my attention throughout (no skipping of any pages for me which I tend to do if sections of a book lose my interest) and I thought that for a light humour book it was well written, the author interspersing the cliff hanger of a murder case with some interesting anecdotes and facts about the legal system.
I didn't know about the history and reason for wigs and gowns etc, or about "Silks" and QCs, or how Chambers worked. So I found it informative to read in that sense because as a 1950's woman I've chipped in a small amount of money (along with thousands of other 1950's women who have been "robbed" of our State Pensions) to fund a legal case (judicial review) with Michael Mansfield QC - so it was interesting to learn that he is a "Silk" and very well qualified. In my ignorance I somehow thought he was a bit of a one-off maverick legal adviser, but knowing he had "QC" after his name -and after reading this book - it made me google him and I learnt he belongs to Nexus Chambers in London. So that is interesting to know he's a bona fide lawyer! ....and a senior one at that :) Not sure he'll win our case, but we'll see......
The book made me question whether the government has a point to get Legal Aid down to an irreducible minimum, and begs the question whether it's best use of tax payers money to defend some of the types of criminals the author depicts in his book?
As for "Affirming" - I came across this many years ago, and the author labels people who "affirm" as generally liberals - and he may well be right, but having had a brush with the Christadelphians I can categorically say they are in no way liberal whatsoever but will always "affirm" rather than swear on the bible (swearing on the Bible goes against their religious laws).
Also reading the book took me back to my very early teens when my father - during his two week summer holiday from the Landrover works - would take me off to Birmingham Crown Court to sit int he public gallery and listen to some murder trials (quite an unusual pastime!). I see now why my father loved the Crown Court and big cases - it is indeed the drama and the theatre which the author touches upon, plus the language used . My father loved the words used - particularly the skill of stating the obvious, which gave these sad cases, there was a definite degree of black humour involved ("I didn't mean to hurt him Your Honour" "But you did him with a house brick in the face"......and so on, my father was enthralled!). The drama and atmosphere of the Courts rubbed off on me and I wanted to be a Court Clerk when I left school but at that time in the early 1970's a shorthand speed of 120 wpm was required and I could never get beyond 50! ..... but I've always had an interest in legal things, so this book was a good entertaining informative read, and a nice change from all the medical/doctor books I've been reading.
The book kept my attention throughout (no skipping of any pages for me which I tend to do if sections of a book lose my interest) and I thought that for a light humour book it was well written, the author interspersing the cliff hanger of a murder case with some interesting anecdotes and facts about the legal system.
I didn't know about the history and reason for wigs and gowns etc, or about "Silks" and QCs, or how Chambers worked. So I found it informative to read in that sense because as a 1950's woman I've chipped in a small amount of money (along with thousands of other 1950's women who have been "robbed" of our State Pensions) to fund a legal case (judicial review) with Michael Mansfield QC - so it was interesting to learn that he is a "Silk" and very well qualified. In my ignorance I somehow thought he was a bit of a one-off maverick legal adviser, but knowing he had "QC" after his name -and after reading this book - it made me google him and I learnt he belongs to Nexus Chambers in London. So that is interesting to know he's a bona fide lawyer! ....and a senior one at that :) Not sure he'll win our case, but we'll see......
The book made me question whether the government has a point to get Legal Aid down to an irreducible minimum, and begs the question whether it's best use of tax payers money to defend some of the types of criminals the author depicts in his book?
As for "Affirming" - I came across this many years ago, and the author labels people who "affirm" as generally liberals - and he may well be right, but having had a brush with the Christadelphians I can categorically say they are in no way liberal whatsoever but will always "affirm" rather than swear on the bible (swearing on the Bible goes against their religious laws).
Also reading the book took me back to my very early teens when my father - during his two week summer holiday from the Landrover works - would take me off to Birmingham Crown Court to sit int he public gallery and listen to some murder trials (quite an unusual pastime!). I see now why my father loved the Crown Court and big cases - it is indeed the drama and the theatre which the author touches upon, plus the language used . My father loved the words used - particularly the skill of stating the obvious, which gave these sad cases, there was a definite degree of black humour involved ("I didn't mean to hurt him Your Honour" "But you did him with a house brick in the face"......and so on, my father was enthralled!). The drama and atmosphere of the Courts rubbed off on me and I wanted to be a Court Clerk when I left school but at that time in the early 1970's a shorthand speed of 120 wpm was required and I could never get beyond 50! ..... but I've always had an interest in legal things, so this book was a good entertaining informative read, and a nice change from all the medical/doctor books I've been reading.
March 28, 2024
This book gave me a big insight into daily lives of those in the law and answered questions like the difference between a solicitor and barrister that I have always had. I am considering law for my future so this book really helped indicate daily lives of those working within this sector while also being funny and enjoyable to read.
September 4, 2021
An interesting and easy read!
The book was full of anecdotes of cases experienced by Russell Winnock, the author. I really liked how they filled the story with factual information about the law profession. The writing was easy to comprehend and it felt as if a friend was chatting to you.
I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wants a quick read or someone who gains a spare 5 minutes now and then and wants something to read.
The book was full of anecdotes of cases experienced by Russell Winnock, the author. I really liked how they filled the story with factual information about the law profession. The writing was easy to comprehend and it felt as if a friend was chatting to you.
I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wants a quick read or someone who gains a spare 5 minutes now and then and wants something to read.
November 17, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lighthearted, humorous by a grounded articulate individual.
May 21, 2020
Instructive and entertaining
Mr Winnock's book is, at turns, witty, engaging, thoughtful and enlightening. He (rightly, in my view) rails against the cuts to the legal aid system, presenting a compelling argument for these to be reversed, or at the very least, halted. He points out that the common (mis)conception of barristers as high-living fat-cats is entirely fallacious, especially within the criminal bar where, with the exception of a few household names, it's becoming increasingly difficult to make a living which reflects the years of initial study followed by decades of continual learning and development.
He strikes no tone of self-pity, though, instead presenting an objective case that the brightest and the best are incentivised financially to enter more highly-paid areas of law (corporate, for example) or even more lucrative professions altogether. For myself, should I find myself at the wrong end of a miscarriage of justice, it would perhaps be my only comfort that my legal representation was top-notch. When one considers that, for most, a serious charge resulting in trial by jury may be a defining point in one's life, the notion that its outcome may be the dependent of an overworked and underpaid advocate is horrifying; that one's freedom might be jeopardized by haphazard or sloppy representation is terrifying to contemplate.
Returning to the book itself, I found it a very human insight into what can seem a dehumanising system. It's a warts-and-all biography, but at its heart is a great deal of warmth.
Thoroughly recommended!
Mr Winnock's book is, at turns, witty, engaging, thoughtful and enlightening. He (rightly, in my view) rails against the cuts to the legal aid system, presenting a compelling argument for these to be reversed, or at the very least, halted. He points out that the common (mis)conception of barristers as high-living fat-cats is entirely fallacious, especially within the criminal bar where, with the exception of a few household names, it's becoming increasingly difficult to make a living which reflects the years of initial study followed by decades of continual learning and development.
He strikes no tone of self-pity, though, instead presenting an objective case that the brightest and the best are incentivised financially to enter more highly-paid areas of law (corporate, for example) or even more lucrative professions altogether. For myself, should I find myself at the wrong end of a miscarriage of justice, it would perhaps be my only comfort that my legal representation was top-notch. When one considers that, for most, a serious charge resulting in trial by jury may be a defining point in one's life, the notion that its outcome may be the dependent of an overworked and underpaid advocate is horrifying; that one's freedom might be jeopardized by haphazard or sloppy representation is terrifying to contemplate.
Returning to the book itself, I found it a very human insight into what can seem a dehumanising system. It's a warts-and-all biography, but at its heart is a great deal of warmth.
Thoroughly recommended!
March 20, 2021
I have read many crime and mystery novels, and decided to change to a different genre for a while. I researched several humorous categories without success as most were almost entirely devoid of humour and were often just smutty in the most childish or coarse language with a terribly unrealistic plot.
I finally came across the "Confessions Of" series. I have now read 4 books in this series (all in my opinion worthy of at least 3-4 stars) and "Confessions of a Barrister" (5 Stars) is far and away, the best one to date. It is extremely informative, very funny in places and very well written with a good engaging style and lively pace that is not hurried or laborious. It has great use of language including swearwords at the right time as normal people would. Often the stories within the book make you feel angry at the criminals or sad for the victims. Mr Winnock touches on the rivalry between different Law firms and their legal representatives He comes across as a really caring mega professional who explains succinctly why barristers often have to defend the guilty and prosecute the innocent. He also explains the some of the mystique surrounding the British legal system.
A really enjoyable and entertaining read. Do treat yourself and give it a go.
I finally came across the "Confessions Of" series. I have now read 4 books in this series (all in my opinion worthy of at least 3-4 stars) and "Confessions of a Barrister" (5 Stars) is far and away, the best one to date. It is extremely informative, very funny in places and very well written with a good engaging style and lively pace that is not hurried or laborious. It has great use of language including swearwords at the right time as normal people would. Often the stories within the book make you feel angry at the criminals or sad for the victims. Mr Winnock touches on the rivalry between different Law firms and their legal representatives He comes across as a really caring mega professional who explains succinctly why barristers often have to defend the guilty and prosecute the innocent. He also explains the some of the mystique surrounding the British legal system.
A really enjoyable and entertaining read. Do treat yourself and give it a go.
December 31, 2018
* * * *
4 / 5
~mini review~
This is probably the best of the Confessions series that I've read so far - I don't know much about the legal field. I didn't know the difference between a barrister and a solicitor, but I do know! Russell Winnock tells stories about the world of the law and the court that are vivid and interesting and dramatic. There's funny stories and sad ones, there's a little bit about his personal love life and the book is tied together by the thread of Winnock's biggest ever case: a murder.
This book kind of made me feel like I might want to be a lawyer! I'm not sure I really would - evenings of reading case files, of speaking to sometimes scary and despicable people, and sometimes scared and vulnerable ones. But this book managed to bring alive some of the glamour and the horror of being a barrister, and it was a great read.
Read more of my reviews on my blog: http://atlasrisingbooks.wordpress.com
4 / 5
~mini review~
This is probably the best of the Confessions series that I've read so far - I don't know much about the legal field. I didn't know the difference between a barrister and a solicitor, but I do know! Russell Winnock tells stories about the world of the law and the court that are vivid and interesting and dramatic. There's funny stories and sad ones, there's a little bit about his personal love life and the book is tied together by the thread of Winnock's biggest ever case: a murder.
This book kind of made me feel like I might want to be a lawyer! I'm not sure I really would - evenings of reading case files, of speaking to sometimes scary and despicable people, and sometimes scared and vulnerable ones. But this book managed to bring alive some of the glamour and the horror of being a barrister, and it was a great read.
Read more of my reviews on my blog: http://atlasrisingbooks.wordpress.com
February 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this book; it's a mixture of emotions for this young Barrister, with some of his peers leaving the Criminal Bar in search of better paid employment elsewhere. Obviously, he has given no identifiable information about himself as well as his colleagues and the people that he had represented in court.
Although he has written about these as professionally as possible, there are many funny incidents, and when he has used professional terminology, he explains it all, so it's very accessible to a layperson like me.
All in all, I was hoping that there would be a sequel to this, but if there is, I haven't found it; which is a real pity because I would definitely buy it.
Although he has written about these as professionally as possible, there are many funny incidents, and when he has used professional terminology, he explains it all, so it's very accessible to a layperson like me.
All in all, I was hoping that there would be a sequel to this, but if there is, I haven't found it; which is a real pity because I would definitely buy it.
June 20, 2021
Confessions of a Barrister is an average read. I enjoy ‘becoming a barrister’ novels and this is just another to tick off my list.
I found Winnock sexist but the way he wrote suggested he didn’t think he was. However, I enjoy the conversational tone of writing. I felt I could relate to him through his loses and wins and found myself quite engaged for the final case he covers.
An easy read despite the author is a very intelligent man. I find some authors who are barristers try to sound overly clever, achieving the opposite effect. Winnock is not like this.
I would recommend to aspiring barristers or those who want to learn more about the legal profession.
I found Winnock sexist but the way he wrote suggested he didn’t think he was. However, I enjoy the conversational tone of writing. I felt I could relate to him through his loses and wins and found myself quite engaged for the final case he covers.
An easy read despite the author is a very intelligent man. I find some authors who are barristers try to sound overly clever, achieving the opposite effect. Winnock is not like this.
I would recommend to aspiring barristers or those who want to learn more about the legal profession.
September 2, 2025
A really good book
When I saw the dread words "Confessions of" as part of the title of this book, I felt that I was probably one of those coy, wink wink type of memoirs, which I hate, though I couldn't marry that with the word Barrister.
In fact, of course, it is far from that sort of book. At times, it is very amusing, but at others, it is very thought-provoking and indeed terribly sad.
I hope that all the names are changed and not just to protect the innocent. It reveals a world that most of us are entirely unfamiliar with and thus is very informative and interesting. I thoroughly recommend it.
When I saw the dread words "Confessions of" as part of the title of this book, I felt that I was probably one of those coy, wink wink type of memoirs, which I hate, though I couldn't marry that with the word Barrister.
In fact, of course, it is far from that sort of book. At times, it is very amusing, but at others, it is very thought-provoking and indeed terribly sad.
I hope that all the names are changed and not just to protect the innocent. It reveals a world that most of us are entirely unfamiliar with and thus is very informative and interesting. I thoroughly recommend it.
April 10, 2022
Excellent contemporary account of the life of a barrister
This is a well-written and amusing account of the life of a junior barrister, particularly poignant in its account of how the once glorified profession is suffering and becoming financially unsustainable in the hands of government reform. But it is also an account of how a young barrister has dreams of initially unrequited romance, and yet overcomes this and wins the girl of his dreams, whilst learning to represent the less salubrious characters in society.
This is a well-written and amusing account of the life of a junior barrister, particularly poignant in its account of how the once glorified profession is suffering and becoming financially unsustainable in the hands of government reform. But it is also an account of how a young barrister has dreams of initially unrequited romance, and yet overcomes this and wins the girl of his dreams, whilst learning to represent the less salubrious characters in society.
June 30, 2017
Very good
Russell Winnock is understated and likeable. He delves just enough into legal technicality for even an idiot like me to understand!! He left me feeling like he was a friend. No pomp, no ego. It is also interesting to hear from the horses mouth why cutting the legal aid budget is bordering on stupidity - something that the tabloid press would never entertain. Good read.
Russell Winnock is understated and likeable. He delves just enough into legal technicality for even an idiot like me to understand!! He left me feeling like he was a friend. No pomp, no ego. It is also interesting to hear from the horses mouth why cutting the legal aid budget is bordering on stupidity - something that the tabloid press would never entertain. Good read.
February 7, 2020
A really easy read, striking a good balance between entertainment and education. Great to see the life of a criminal defence lawyer portrayed as something other than either an invincible knight in armour striking with the sword of justice or a slimy scheming, avaricious, individual whose only concern is self-advancement.
May 26, 2020
It’s been the best barrister style book I’ve read so much. There’s not anything I would improve about this book apart from I wish there were more. I really really liked the writing style. It’s just a shame that it wasn’t an actual REAL barrister but yeah it was good. I really want to know who the author is.
January 8, 2018
Brilliant read!!!
Loved every word from start to the all to soon for me,finish. A great insight into the strange world of a barrister and the even stranger historic and bizarre world of the courtroom. A wonderful, enjoyable read.
Loved every word from start to the all to soon for me,finish. A great insight into the strange world of a barrister and the even stranger historic and bizarre world of the courtroom. A wonderful, enjoyable read.
July 8, 2019
I thought this was a very well written, humorous book. The descriptions of life as a Barrister were eye opening. I particularly liked the build up to the murder case and the ending which felt very complete. A recommended read.
September 16, 2019
Loved it!
A great read.....left me with a better understanding of our judicial system and the the people involved....a roller coaster ride of the highs and lows of court life....recommended if you are a fan of any courtroom drama.
A great read.....left me with a better understanding of our judicial system and the the people involved....a roller coaster ride of the highs and lows of court life....recommended if you are a fan of any courtroom drama.
December 8, 2019
A fun read, with interesting insights into the challenging and changing environment for which barristers now operate within. A great read of anyone interested in the law and perhaps wants to dispel the myths portrayed in tv dramas and reality.
April 21, 2020
Really informative
Really good and interesting book. Explains everything in good detail in layman’s terms, and is funny with it too. You can’t help but root for him and his clients.
Really good and interesting book. Explains everything in good detail in layman’s terms, and is funny with it too. You can’t help but root for him and his clients.
June 5, 2020
This is so good, and well structured, it made me wonder if a ghost writer was involved. Very well written, almost story-like in execution. Just what I was after, and the best in this series so far that I’ve read
February 3, 2022
I do like these but
They do get repetitive with the type of stories that are spoken about. The last case got me in the mood for the book, but it was a bit late! These series are good a confession off, but maybe a barrister isn’t something I’m interested k.
They do get repetitive with the type of stories that are spoken about. The last case got me in the mood for the book, but it was a bit late! These series are good a confession off, but maybe a barrister isn’t something I’m interested k.
August 14, 2022
Read this in a day!!
What a fantastic account of the life of a criminal barrister. Told compassionately and honestly but it did make me laugh out loud in parts. I can’t recommend it enough.
Thank you for a delightful engaging read!
What a fantastic account of the life of a criminal barrister. Told compassionately and honestly but it did make me laugh out loud in parts. I can’t recommend it enough.
Thank you for a delightful engaging read!
September 26, 2023
Not a book I would have picked up but a book club choice. Easy to read and author deals with his cases in a compassionate way. Like he says, sometimes there is no right, there’s no justice- just law and process. Has a slightly irritating way of asking the reader what they would have done.
October 31, 2023
Loved this book, I laughed and learned a lot
The tales and plots and characters struck chords, and drew me in. A great read. I'm glad I found it. Highly recommend this book, very well written, too.
The tales and plots and characters struck chords, and drew me in. A great read. I'm glad I found it. Highly recommend this book, very well written, too.
November 24, 2024
Witty, accessible, engaging and interesting. This was a very easy read and well suited for those with no previous knowledge of the profession.
Very likeable author! If it weren’t for a couple of (well intended I’m sure) sexist comments, this would have been a 5 star.
Very likeable author! If it weren’t for a couple of (well intended I’m sure) sexist comments, this would have been a 5 star.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews