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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College Chambers, like many Chambers, have recognised the need for better awareness of wellbeing within the profession. They knew that in order to help their members and staff perform well, their mental wellbeing needed to be actively considered and cared for.
College Chambers also recognised the importance of consistency across chambers in attitudes to wellbeing for pupils, junior and senior barristers, those in management, administrative staff and clerks. They felt that if everyone was given the ability to thrive it would have a positive impact on professional and lay clients that College Chambers seek to assist.
As a business, College Chambers also wished to be recognised as a good employer and a forward-thinking set in relation to wellbeing. They felt consideration of wellbeing would also bring benefits in terms of reputation and the ability to continue to attract good candidates – both barristers and staff.
They also wanted to ensure all members of chambers were beneficiaries of their approach and to close the gap between the most senior and most junior members of chambers.
College Chambers created a Wellbeing policy with duties and expectations clearly set out for all who work in chambers.
The policy included:
In light of the Covid-19 crisis a range of events have been organised to support wellbeing, including:
“College Chambers have taken a thoughtful approach to wellbeing – demonstrated by their very sensible tips (dos and don’ts). It’s great to see them build on the foundations they had in place before the Covid-19 crisis to keep everyone connected and take care of their members and staff”
Wellbeing at the Bar Working Group
Tips
Do:
Don’t:
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.
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’
Psychological wellbeing within the profession is rarely spoken about