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Help for barristers

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.

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Help for clerks and staff

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.

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Help for students and pupils

These resources have been designed specifically for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.

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Resources

Our vision

Find out what Wellbeing at the Bar aims to achieve.

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Policy & practice

Guidance on how to introduce wellbeing policies and initiatives and on tackling a wellbeing issue in chambers.

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Media pack

Logos and banners to help you to promote wellbeing.

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Case studies

Examples of successful wellbeing initiatives adopted by chambers, Specialist Bar Associations and the Inns of Court.

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Support

Support for barristers

Who to talk to, how to get help in coping with the pressures and demands of life at the Bar.

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Support for clerks and staff

Who to talk to and how to get help, resources are for clerks and staff themselves.

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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.

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Assistance programme

The confidential 24/7 helpline with access to counselling for barristers, pupils, clerks and chambers’ staff.

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Help for barristers

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. To find out more about symptoms and for tips and sources of further information use the search facility below or click on relevant box below. Over time we will refresh and expand information on common symptoms so let us know if anything is missing.

Talk to someone

There are a range of organisations which can help with specific issues. Click here for some advice on seeking help and for a list of organisations and their contact details Support

Find help for a symptom or support information:

Unfortunately we don’t have resources for all conditions, if you are feeling this way your first step should be to see a GP, talk to someone and seek help.

Common problems, support and information

Alcohol addiction

Alcohol addiction

Quick thinking and intellectual capacity is a vital strength in the legal profession and can be significantly damaged by alcohol dependence.

Bullying

Bullying

“I am being put under pressure by my Head Clerk/Principal”

Dealing with Bereavement

Dealing with Bereavement

Grief is a normal part of life, but when it hits, it affects all individuals differently.

Drug addiction and dependency

Drug addiction and dependency

Addiction refers to the long-term compulsive use of a drug. Dependence refers to the body’s natural way of normalising levels of a drug and the consequent requirement of higher doses in order to give a ‘high’.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders

There are three main types of eating problem; Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa and Binge eating.

Excessive workload

Excessive workload

“I can’t cope with how much work I have to do now”

Financial stress

Financial stress

When you find yourself behind with your paperwork or payments and don’t know how to deal with it.

Gambling

Gambling

Gambling takes many forms, from the seemingly innocuous lottery and scratch cards many of us use weekly to online bingo and sports betting on the high street.

Lack of sleep

Lack of sleep

Sleep appears to have some key physiological and psychological purposes. Primarily, sleep allows our bodies and minds recovery time.

Menopause

Menopause

Panicked in court

Panicked in court

“I’m petrified about my next hearing and I have no idea how I am going to get through it”

Perfectionism

Perfectionism

An attitude or standard set by yourself to achieve unattainable goals, rejecting anything less than perfect.

Possible professional error

Possible professional error

When you have made an error or judgement call and don’t know what to do.

Rumination

Rumination

Rumination is the act of turning a thought, option or idea over and over in your mind.

Self-harm

Self-harm

“Self-harm is often understood to be a physical response to an emotional pain of some kind, and can be very addictive”

Stress

Stress

When you are overwhelmed by all of your responsibilities as a barrister and feel out of control of the situation.

Vicarious trauma

Vicarious trauma

Vicarious Trauma is the trauma that you may feel when you read or hear someone else’s trauma; where you may begin to experience symptoms associated with the event.

The information and resource packs on this website are designed to help you and your colleagues to work as a community for better wellbeing and professional resilience. If you want to provide feedback on these resources, or to get involved in promoting wellbeing please get in touch.


Get in touch Policy & practice

It can be difficult to make a living from law and it can be pressurised and demanding. Competition and an adversarial approach to everything can make collegiate relationships difficult. This website aims to provide you with the knowledge to manage these stressors, make emotionally informed, wise professional decisions and thrive in your chosen profession.

A simple expression that sums up wellbeing is ‘travelling well’

1 in 6 barristers feel in low spirits most of the time