Welcome to your January wellbeing spotlight
Each month we’ll put a spotlight on wellbeing news, thoughts, events and support from across the Bar and further afield:
Spotlight
New chair backs wellbeing as priority
Wellbeing remains a priority for this year’s Chair of the Bar Council, Kirsty Brimelow KC. She shared how her interest in wellbeing and trauma-informed training started more than a decade ago, following her own experience dealing with difficult evidence as part of her work in international conflict.
She added: “Of course, a large part of wellbeing is tied to our day-to-day interactions, how we treat others and the importance of being sensitive to inclusion and cognisant of how another may feel.
“The Bar Council’s work in wellbeing is deep and developed. There also are many organisations launched by barristers that greatly benefit our profession and my door always is open.”
Read or watch her full speech.
News
Former women and equalities minister joins Bar as Commissioner for Conduct
The Bar Council has appointed its first commissioner for conduct following a recommendation by Baroness Harman (Harriet Harman KC) in her independent review of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment in and around the bar.
Dame Maria Miller, chair of domestic abuse charity SafeLives, will begin her role as commissioner for conduct role this month. She will be responsible for promoting a ‘safe, respectful and professional culture at the bar’.
LawCare supported more people in 2025 than during the pandemic
LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector, has published its Impact Report 2025, showing that demand for support is higher than ever, exceeding levels seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The report shows that, despite increased awareness of mental health and wellbeing and more workplace wellbeing initiatives, people in the legal sector continue to struggle with stress, anxiety, burnout, and ongoing work pressures.
Thoughts
- Chambers director Sarah Earl shared her experience on dealing with vicarious trauma
- Dr Natalie Isaia explores the impact of moral injury
- Melbourne-based barrister Dr Michelle Sharpe shares her perceptions about barrister’s wellbeing in Australia
Events
Let’s talk about anxiety webinar – LawCare – Thursday 5 February 2026
LawCare is hosting a free webinar exploring what anxiety looks like in the legal sector and practical ways to cope.
Support
Got a wellbeing event coming up? Want to share your story? Contact us