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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This case study may be useful if you are looking for examples of developing a wellbeing policy, encouraging mental health training and promoting a place of support within chambers.
Keating Chambers is committed to creating a healthy working environment to provide barristers and staff with the highest quality of working life. Chambers endeavours to maintain a positive environment and support initiatives to encourage excellent barrister and staff wellbeing and achievement, covering all – physical, mental and social – aspects of working life.
Chambers actively supports a number of activities that promote wellbeing in the workplace and encourage suggestions for further opportunities through a dedicated mailbox.
Wellbeing Policy:
A policy is in place which aims to promote wellbeing and mental health initiatives.
Support:
Staff and barristers have a confidential platform to discuss any professional matters or any private concerns that they may wish to share with someone. To facilitate this:
Mental Health Training:
Other activities:
“Keating has introduced a wide range of initiatives to support members and staff wellbeing; good to see they have also introduced a formal mechanism to enable members to raise issues and concerns directly with those in a management role.”
Wellbeing at the Bar Working Group
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