I test different professions in different ways, but I always test, especially when big money is involved. I’m not going to say the cost involved as I’m sure you can imagine, but for the sums involved dam right I “kick the tyres” before hiring. As said the answer isn’t important only how they answer.
A list of cases/qualifications tells me nothing about the person, all barristers are qualified and specialise in different areas of law, all will have case history, so I need a way to see if we can work together, It’s not guaranteed but it gives me a guide on the person.
If they had said money for example I would have hired at once, equally refused to answer would have been fine as both answers are a risk to a potential new client.
There not doing the work for free or out of kindness, so it has nothing to do with tv dramas or the likes, why should hiring a barrister be any different from hiring a builder? I ask questions of a builder/accountant/lawyer so why would I treat a barrister differently.
Surely you don’t think I should bob my head, remove my cap etc in there presence! There just people after work like everyone else.
I like to take risks in court, I like to be very hands on in cases by reading the legal acts and very involved with the directions taken, over ruling my solicitor is common for me, so any barrister must be up for the same or it won’t work. So in that you are right it is also a test for them in regards me. If they don’t like that question then they won’t like me saying no think again