I need help
Barristers inherently face very specific challenges on a daily basis. If you need some help click on support to find contact details and advice on seeking support.
The professional lives of clerks and chambers’ staff include many potential stressors. If you don’t know how to broach an issue, want advice on your options.
These resources have been designed specifically for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.
Resources
Guidance on how to introduce wellbeing policies and initiatives and on tackling a wellbeing issue in chambers.
Examples of successful wellbeing initiatives adopted by chambers, Specialist Bar Associations and the Inns of Court.
Support
Who to talk to, how to get help in coping with the pressures and demands of life at the Bar.
Who to talk to and how to get help, resources are for clerks and staff themselves.
Support for students and pupils
Who to talk to and how to get help for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.
The confidential 24/7 helpline with access to counselling for barristers, pupils, clerks and chambers’ staff.
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Mental Health & Wellbeing at the Bar
Psychological wellbeing within the profession is rarely spoken about. The Bar Council are seeking to address and support the challenges facing the profession.
I need help
If you are in need of help please choose from the following:Welcome to Wellbeing at the Bar
We have recently published new research on barristers wellbeing.
Read the Wellbeing Panel’s Action Plan.
Assistance Programme
Did you know?
The Assistance Programme is a true confidential and compassionate 24/7 service helping more than 9.5 million people overcome physical, mental, social and financial challenges.
The programme is there to support barristers, pupils, and staff through the challenges faced through Covid-19, from financial issues to bereavement.
Certificate of Recognition
The Bar Council has revamped its Certificate of Recognition programme. These Certificates acknowledge the huge efforts made across the profession to support the wellbeing of barristers, clerks and chambers’ staff.
If your organisation can demonstrate a commitment to wellbeing through a policy, programme or initiative, and would like to apply for a new Certificate of Recognition, you can find further information here.
The Bar Council wellbeing update
We regularly circulate information and updates, with links to useful resources to all wellbeing officers/those with responsibility for wellbeing across the Bar. If you would like to receive this update, please email smercer@barcouncil.org.uk
Chancery Bar have made their wellbeing resources available to the whole bar.
The Bar Council wellbeing latest update
New Bar Chair Barbara Mills KC seeks to enhance the wellbeing of the profession
A proactive approach to wellbeing Barbara Mills KC, Chair of the Bar 2025, has placed the wellbeing of the profession at the heart of her priorities. In her address, she set out her intentions to build on the existing wellbeing work the Bar has done over the last 10 years and to explore incorporating coaching […]
The use of clinical supervision
Psychotherapists have it, social workers have it, CAFCASS officers have it. Why not the Bar? Marc Mason explores the emerging practice of clinical supervision for lawyers A study I recently completed looked at how a group of solicitors were utilising clinical supervision, a type of supervision that is more commonly found in the world of […]
Influence the future of mental health in the legal sector
Be part of Life in the Law 2025 The legal sector is known for its high-pressure environment, long hours, and demanding workloads, all of which can take a toll on mental health and wellbeing. In 2021, LawCare’s first Life in the Law survey provided groundbreaking insight into these issues. More than 1,700 legal professionals […]
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